By Anthony Emeka Nwosu

Katsina, Nigeria — In a show of solidarity and commitment to the families of Nigeria’s fallen heroes, the Katsina State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Hadiza Abubakar Yar’Adua, has lauded the efforts of the Military Widows Association and pledged further government support to enhance their work in empowering widows and the children of military personnel.

The Commissioner gave this assurance on Monday, September 15, when she received a delegation of the Association led by its Chairperson, Mrs. Hafsat Ya’u Usman, during a courtesy visit to her office in Katsina.

The visit, according to the Commissioner, was both inspiring and sobering, as it highlighted the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives defending the nation and the resilience of their families.

“The visit is a reminder of our collective duty to protect, support, and empower the families of those who paid the ultimate price for peace,” Yar’Adua said. “Together, we will continue to build a stronger and more inclusive Katsina State.”

Empowering the Next Generation

Founded more than two years ago, the Military Widows Association has become a lifeline for many families. With over 200 widows under its care, the Association has also successfully trained more than 300 children of fallen military personnel, aged between 16 and 20, in a range of vocational skills including shoemaking, Turaren wuta (traditional incense) production, soap-making, and salon services.

These vocational programs aim to equip the young beneficiaries with practical skills to achieve economic independence. At the end of their training, each participant received ₦10,000 in start-up support and a certificate of completion — a gesture made possible through the support of the Katsina State Government.

Renewed Government Commitment

Hon. Yar’Adua commended the Association’s dedication to uplifting the lives of widows and their children, praising their resilience and determination. She assured them that the Ministry of Women Affairs will integrate the Association and its beneficiaries into the ministry’s broader empowerment programs.

She further pledged that the government will look into providing necessary support to enable the graduation of the second batch of trainees, many of whom are still undergoing their skill-acquisition programs.

“We will ensure that the work of this Association continues to receive the attention it deserves, because the families of our military heroes deserve nothing less,” the Commissioner said.

Building a Stronger, Inclusive Katsina State

Observers say the collaboration between the state government and the Military Widows Association represents a significant step toward inclusive development, particularly in extending opportunities to often-overlooked groups such as the widows and children of fallen soldiers.

For many of the widows and their children, these empowerment initiatives are not only helping to build economic self-reliance but also restoring a sense of dignity and hope for the future.

Hon. Yar’Adua emphasized that the government will continue to prioritize policies and programs that ensure no group is left behind.

The courtesy visit ended on a note of renewed partnership, with both the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Military Widows Association reaffirming their shared commitment to improving the lives of military families in Katsina State.