Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto, has called for collaboration with women’s associations to improve welfare schemes for widows and orphans.
He made the call during a lecture organised by the division as part of the 2025 Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC) on Monday in Sokoto.
Ajose emphasised the crucial role of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), Soldiers Wives Association, and Welfare Committees in promoting discipline and empowering women and children.
He stressed the need for these groups to intensify campaigns on marriage and family values, proper child upbringing, and other issues to foster productive living.
He also highlighted the importance of investing more resources to support women and children, particularly widows and orphans in Army formations.
“We need increased strategies to address developmental challenges from both state and non-state actors, especially in managing the crises faced by servicemen while on duty and afterward,” he said.
Ajose further noted the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces to keep the nation secure and encouraged everyone to honour fallen heroes by contributing to unity and peaceful coexistence in their communities.
He also advised servicemen to ensure their spouses were listed as Next of Kin (NOK) in official documents to avoid inconsistencies after the death of personnel.
Ajose emphasised that a good marriage had no value if one was living with an untrusted partner, urging service personnel to rectify such issues during their lifetime.
During the event, the Guest Speaker, Capt. Dabotaribo Henry, discussed the regulatory provisions of the Armed Forces law regarding death benefits, welfare packages for children, and other entitlements.
Henry outlined the necessary requirements for smooth claims of death benefits and cautioned personnel on selecting the responsible NOK and filling out bank details correctly.
In her presentation, Ms. Rasheeda Muhammad, Chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Sokoto State Branch, stressed the importance of selecting the right NOK.
She highlighted that, in many cases, relatives such as brothers mismanage deceased properties, leaving the widow and children in difficult situations.
The session included a Q&A segment where widows, veterans, and orphans asked about accessing benefits and other support provided by the Nigerian Army.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Garrison Commander Brig.-Gen. Alex Tawasini and Brig.-Gen. Amadike Unaogu.
In addition to the lecture, the division organised a medical outreach in Gidan Gabas, Dange/Shuni Local Government of Sokoto state, providing free medical services to approximately 5,000 people.
Brig.-Gen. Ogbonnaya Igwe, who represented Ajose, said the outreach was part of the Nigerian Army’s tradition.
The medical services included treatment for malaria and hypertension, eye care, dental services, diabetes screening, and pediatric care.(NAN)
