FCTA gives palliatives to 287 widows in barracks

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has provided relief items to 287 widows in various military barracks, as part of measures to cushion the effect of the sit-at-home order.

Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Ramatu Aliyu, who made the presentation at the Mambilla Barracks, Asokoro, on behalf of the FCTA, said the items would be distributed to 287 needy widows of rank and file officers in the barracks.

Aliyu said the beneficiaries were drawn from 7 Guards Battalion in Lungi Barracks, 102 Guards Battalion in Zuma Barracks, 176 Guards Barracks, Gen. Andrew Azazi Barracks in Gwagwalada, 177 Guards Battalion in Shitu Alao Barracks, Keffi, Guards Brigade Garrison, and Mambilla Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja.

In a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, the minister explained that 70 widows were drawn from 7 Guards Battalion, while 36 were drawn from 102 Guards Battalion, and 56 from 176 Guards Barracks.

Other includes the 60 widows from 177 Guards Battalion and 65 from Guards Brigade Garrison.

While praying God to continue strengthening the Nigerian Army in the battle against insurgency, Aliyu used the occasion to canvass support especially for widows in various barracks.

“May God reward and strengthen you. Despite the difficulties of COVID-19, many of our Nigerian army officers are out there fighting the insurgents, but God will strengthen our nation not only by taking away COVID-19, but also the insurgents that bedevil our nation. United we are stronger,” Aliyu stated.

Receiving the items, the Chief of Staff, Guards Brigade, Col. Kasim Sidi, thanked the FCTA for the gesture, adding that the items would go a long way in cushioning the effect of the sit-at-home order.

“On behalf of Guards Brigade, I thank you very sincerely for these palliatives. It goes to show that we are not forgotten in this reach-out period. Please continue to consider us whenever there is a reach-out like this,” he said.

Items donated include 500 cartons of Indomie noodles, 500 packs of Gala sausage, rice, soft drinks and water.