By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Delta State Commissioner for Women and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Princess Pat Ajudua, has said that poverty, grief and hardship do not discriminate between military and civilian families, stressing that widows across society deserve protection, dignity and support irrespective of background or profession.
Mrs Sally Ashinze Anyadike, middle and Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Shehu Tasiu (4th from right)
The commissioner, represented by Mrs Sally Ashinze Anyadike, stated this on Saturday at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Warri, during a widows’ outreach programme organised to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.
More than 300 widows, including wives of deceased military officers, paramilitary personnel and civilians, benefitted from the empowerment programme, which featured the distribution of wrappers, buckets and food items.
The event, which attracted security officials, retired naval officers and community representatives, also focused on strengthening civil-military relations and addressing the social and economic challenges confronting widows in society.
Mrs Sally Ashinze Anyadike
Speaking at the event, the commissioner described the outreach as a rare and inclusive initiative that recognised the shared pain experienced by widows regardless of whether their husbands served in uniform or not.
She said civilian widows nominated by community leaders, religious bodies and local councils were deliberately included because suffering had no social classification.
According to her, widows of military personnel sacrificed alongside their husbands who died protecting the nation, while civilian widows also battle economic hardship, loneliness and neglect after losing their spouses.
The commissioner noted that the programme reflected a new approach to community relations by the military, adding that it had helped break barriers of fear and suspicion that often exist between civilians and security agencies.
Cross section of the widows in attendance
She explained that when vulnerable people experience compassion from security institutions, trust and cooperation naturally improve within communities.
“I have been told that this gathering is unique. It is not exclusive to military widows. It includes widows of paramilitary officers and remarkably, it includes civilian widows nominated by their wards, community leaders, religious bodies and local councils,” she said.
“To the civilian widows, you are the heart of this outreach. By nominating you, your wards have declared that suffering has no uniform. Poverty does not check an ID card before it knocks.”
The commissioner further disclosed that the Delta State Government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori currently operates various programmes aimed at supporting widows across the state.
Naval personnel arranging some of the gifts for the widows
She listed the initiatives to include the Widows’ Support Scheme, Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Programme, Legal Aid for Widows Initiative and medical outreach services.
Speaking on the plight of widows, she lamented that many women lose not only their husbands but also their means of livelihood and social protection.
She condemned harmful widowhood practices still prevalent in some communities, including degrading mourning rites and property grabbing by relatives of deceased husbands.
According to her, the government would continue to defend widows facing injustice through legal interventions and law enforcement support.
“Under Delta State law, a widow is entitled to her late husband’s estate alongside her children. If any widow here is facing property grabbing, report to my Ministry. We will deploy legal officers and, where necessary, involve the police,” she stated.
An excited widow carting home her gifts in excitement
The commissioner also encouraged widows not to surrender to despair or social stigma, insisting that their lives remained valuable despite the loss of their husbands.
“You have been told that your life is over because your husband is gone. That is a lie. Your children need you. Your community needs you. Nigeria needs you,” she added.
Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Shehu Tasiu
Earlier in his remarks, the Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Shehu Tasiu, said the Navy intentionally dedicated part of its 70th anniversary activities to widows and vulnerable families in recognition of the sacrifices connected to military service.
He explained that behind the achievements of the Nigerian Navy in maritime security, anti-piracy operations and protection of oil facilities were painful stories of officers who paid the ultimate price in service to the country.
Tasiu said many widows of fallen military and security personnel are often forgotten after burial ceremonies, despite the sacrifices made by their husbands.
According to him, the outreach was organised to reassure both serving personnel and their families that the Navy would continue to identify with them beyond active service.
The naval commander added that civilian widows were included because the Navy recognised that security institutions could not operate independently of the people they protect.
He said community trust remained essential to effective security operations and social stability.
Another widow rejoicing home with her largese
“To the widows of our civilian brothers whose husbands were traders, farmers, teachers and fishermen, you may wonder why the Navy invited you. The answer is simple, the Nigerian Navy does not exist in isolation,” he said.
“When communities only see uniformed personnel during raids, fear takes root. But when the Navy reaches out, listens and honours struggling families regardless of uniform or status, trust is built.”
Tasiu described widows as resilient women who continue to carry enormous family responsibilities despite emotional and economic difficulties.
“Your uniform is not camouflage; it is the wrapper you tie each morning to face the world. Your weapon is not a rifle, but your prayers, your hustle and your refusal to let your children become orphans in spirit,” he added.
During an inspirational session at the programme, the Divisional Police Officer of Ugborikoko Police Station, CSP Omosetemi Agbede-Zuokumor, urged mothers to maintain open and honest conversations with their children.
She expressed concerns over what she described as declining confidence among many Nigerian children and advised parents to pay closer attention to their emotional wellbeing.
“We have discovered that our children do not have the self-confidence befitting of a Nigerian,” she said.
“Create an environment where your children will be free to speak to you about issues that they are facing.”
In an emotional vote of thanks on behalf of the widows, Mrs Omorayo Joycelyn appreciated the management of NNS Delta for remembering widows and putting smiles on their faces through the outreach.
Another beneficiary, 75-year-old Mrs Alice Omabegho, said she never expected the Nigerian Navy to organise such a programme for widows.
“I am so elated and happy. I didn’t know that our Nigerian Navy could do this for us,” she said.
“From what they have done today, it shows that they have passion for widows.”
Among dignitaries present at the event were Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Delta Ports Command, Commander Ann Nnenna Okoebor; Deputy Commander NDLEA, Lekan Ranti; Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (retd); Admiral John Kpokpogai (retd); Commander of Nigerian Navy Hospital, Warri, Surgeon Captain U.F. Adanu; Lieutenant Monday Efoi; and Commander Shitu, among others.
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