The North-East Regional Initiative has distributed tools and equipment to 200 widows and dependents of soldiers killed in the war against Boko Haram insurgents in the region.
NERI’s representative, Suleiman Dauda, who spoke at the distribution exercise, said the 200 widows and dependents were given machinery on agriculture, tailoring, knitting and fashion design.
Dauda listed the items distributed to the beneficiaries to include knitting, sewing and grinding machines, deep freezers for soft drinks and electric generating sets.
He explained that the gesture was to build their resilience and provide means of livelihoods to widows to enable them set up businesses and become self-reliant.
He said: “The prevailing peace and stability enjoyed in the state could not have been achieved without the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“NERI is proud of the selfless service rendered by the fallen heroes and, in appreciation, we provided agriculture, infrastructure and development support services to families of the fallen heroes.”
Dauda lauded the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association, the Borno State Women Development Initiative and the Borno State Agency for Mass Literacy for their support to the programme.
Also speaking, Major General Ibrahim Yusuf, the acting General Officer Commanding, 7 Division, urged the beneficiaries to ensure effective utilisation of the equipment and engage in productive activities.
Yusuf, who was represented by Colonel Kingsley Samuel, commended NERI for the gesture, noting that it would go a long way to provide succour to the widows.
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