Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has disbursed the sum of ₦250 million for the empowerment of military and paramilitary widows in the state, reaffirming his commitment to compassionate, inclusive governance under the ARISE Agenda.
The disbursement took place on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Women Development Centre, Uyo, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. (Mrs.) Inibehe Silas Etukudo, described the initiative as a clear demonstration of Governor Umo Eno’s empathy and support for widows, noting that it was both a fulfilment of a promise and a reassurance that the sacrifices of fallen heroes would never be forgotten.
She commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining the annual Remembrance Day, and praised Governor Eno for his consistent support for widows and women’s advancement, describing these as part of the key pillars of the ARISE Agenda.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry disclosed that beneficiaries were already receiving payment alerts during the programme, assuring that due verification was carried out, while urging recipients to utilise the funds prudently.
In her remarks, the State Chairperson, Military Widows Association, Comrade Grace John Aniema, described the intervention as the first of its kind for military widows in the state, expressing deep appreciation to the Governor.
Goodwill messages by the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, and the State Vice Chairman, Nigeria Legion, Comrade Edumoh Ekerendu, described the gesture as a noble recognition of the sacrifices of fallen heroes and their families.
A highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of cheques—₦150 million to the Military Widows Association and ₦100 million to the Paramilitary Widows Association.
The programme also featured prayers for fallen heroes and was attended by top security officials and representatives of military and paramilitary agencies.
