From Tony John, Port Harcourt
WIFE of the Rivers State Governor, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, has called on the different tiers of government to establish a special trust fund to cater for the wives of personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, when she received the leadership of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), Nyesom-Wike said such fund would encourage the armed forces personnel to serve the nation with greater commitment.
She stated that the trust fund would give families of military men hope that they would not be abandoned no matter the situation they find themselves.
She said: “I want to use this opportunity to call on governments at all levels to establish a special trust fund for the wives of officers and members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“It is important because it will give them hope. They will all know that they have somewhere to draw from, especially when things are difficult.”
The governor’s wife noted that the death of a husband in active service should not be an end to the livelihood of the women and their families.
She pointed out that the administration of Governor Wike was committed to the welfare of security personnel serving in the state.
Nyesom-Wike described women as special and hardworking. He reminded the women that being wives of officers of senior personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces made their role even more challenging.
She attributed the peace being enjoyed in the state to the wives of the security personnel whose efforts in keeping their homes had helped their husbands to remain focused in discharging their duties.
She assured the leadership of NAOWA of the 6 Division, Port Harcourt, that she would partner with them to actualise their objectives, adding that she would present their requests to the governor for his support.
Earlier, President of NAOWA, 6 Division, and wife of the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Mrs Grace Udoh, praised Governor Wike for transforming the state through the execution of numerous development projects.