The 7 Division chapter of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno state capital has supported 40 families of soldiers killed in the counter insurgency perpetrated by Boko Haram and ISWAP members in the North East region.
Speaking in an interview with journalists shortly after presenting the food items to the family of the slain soldiers at the the NAOWA Secretariat in Maiduguri, the Chairperson of NAOWA, Hajiya Aisha Haruna said ” the gesture is to put smile on the faces of the families of our troops killed as a result of the fight against Boko Haram as we celebrate International Women’s Day.
The gesture is to cushion the hardship they faced as a result of the food and economic crisis Nation is facing and to also mark commemoration of International Women Day 2024 celebration.
Each of the 40 widows were presented with 1 bag of 25kg rice, 1 cartoon of spaghetti and a 5 litres of cooking/vegetable oil.
“To this end, each of the 40 widows were presented with 1 bag of 25kg rice, 1 cartoon of superghetti and a 5 litre of cooking oil.
” The event which is part of activities to mark International Women’s Day is also to show to the families of slain soldiers that we are still with them and to appreciate the sacrifices their husbands made to keep our nation in peace,” Mrs Haruna said.
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She said that the International Women’s Day is a unique day where the world stand still to recognize, appreciate and sing the songs of praise in a dynamic movement in respect of all women for their quest for global unity and peaceful coexistence.
In addition she noted that the Day was also set aside to address the gender gaps towards creating an enabling society where women have equal opportunities and platforms to participate in all aspects of human endeavor.
Mrs Haruna also said, “as part of activities lined up to celebrate the occasion, the NAOWA had visited the sick and wounded troops at the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital, where it commiserated with the injured ones and prayed for their quick recovery.
“We also remembered the families of those who paid the supreme sacrifices by reaching out to their widows in Maimalari Cantonment and those under this Division.”
She commended the President of NAOWA, Mrs Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja for her leadership capabilities and drive in piloting the affairs of the association.