News Investigators/ Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has promised to support wounded soldiers, families of deceased military and police officers who lost their lives in counter-insurgency operations in the state.
Mr Zulum made the promise during the visit of the President of Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Lilian Musa, to his office on Monday in Maiduguri.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that DEPOWA is an umbrella body uniting wives of officers from the Army, Air Force, Navy and Police.
The campaign is aimed at showcasing the sacrifices of frontline troops and offering support to the wounded in action as well as families of fallen heroes.
Mr Zulum, who described himself as a champion of the campaign, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting troops and their families.
“I promise to be a champion of this noble cause by identifying with officers and men of the military.
“My doors are always open to you at any time to partner with you to support the wounded-in-action soldiers, widows, and orphans of deceased military personnel to give them a sense of belonging,” he said.
Mr Zulum recalled the challenges faced by troops in displaced communities such as Baga before resettlement and reiterated plans to resettle more communities to consolidate gains recorded by the military.
“Let me commend the members of DEPOWA for their perseverance; I know the difficulties they have been facing.
“Many times, military or police personnel will stay on duty for two or three years without seeing their families.
“I am a strong advocate of the need to create an avenue for troops to visit their families; this is very important,” he said.
Mr Zulum, however, expressed appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, and other Service Chiefs, Theatre Commander and troops for their gallantry, resilience and dedication to restoring stability in the North-East and other parts of the country.
Earlier, the DEPOWA president lauded the governor for his support for the military and families of fallen heroes.
She also briefed the governor on what the “Thank You Troops Campaign” was all about.
“I must begin by commending you, Your Excellency, for your unwavering and practical support to the Armed Forces and security agencies in the fight against insurgency — a fight that has cost so much, yet remains critical to our nation’s survival.
“Your programmes for widows and orphans, your scholarship schemes for children of the fallen, and your social intervention initiatives are shining examples of compassionate leadership in action,” she said.
“The “Thank You to Our Troops” campaign is our heartfelt nationwide movement to honour these sacrifices, to tell our soldiers and indeed the Nigerian people that their courage is seen, their service is valued and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
“We are starting here, in Borno, because this is the heart of the fight, and Your Excellency’s leadership stands as a symbol of resilience,” she said.
She expressed the association’s commitment to complementing the government’s efforts in uplifting the living standards of widows, orphans, youths and the less privileged both within and outside barracks communities.
NAN
