The Nigerian Naval Ship (NNS Delta) has distributed palliatives and empowerment materials to more than 300 widows from military, paramilitary and civilian communities across the Niger Delta as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
The outreach programme, held in Warri on Saturday, followed a Jummat service at the NNS Delta mosque in Delta State.
Beneficiaries received food items, household supplies and textile materials, including bags of rice, garri, vegetable oil and wrappers. The event also featured counselling sessions and goodwill messages for the widows.
Many of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Navy, saying the gesture came at a time they felt abandoned and forgotten after losing their husbands.
Speaking at the event, the Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Shehu Tasiu, said the programme was designed to support widows of fallen military officers, security personnel and vulnerable civilians nominated by communities across the state.
According to him, the initiative reflects the Navy’s commitment to strengthening ties with the public and showing compassion beyond its security duties.
“The Nigerian Navy does not exist in isolation,” he said. “When communities only see security personnel during raids and operations, fear can grow. But when the Navy reaches out to support families and vulnerable people, trust is built.”
Tasiu stressed that the outreach was not just about handing out gifts but about recognising the sacrifices made by the families of fallen officers and security personnel.
“Today, there is no rank or uniform, only our shared humanity,” he said. “The palliatives are not because we have excess, but because we believe it is our duty to care for our neighbours and support those carrying heavy burdens.”
He noted that the Nigerian Navy, over the past 70 years, had protected the country’s territorial waters, fought piracy and secured vital oil infrastructure, but added that the real cost of service is often borne by the families left behind.
According to him, many officers lost their lives in the line of duty while others spent years away from home serving the nation under difficult conditions.
He paid tribute to widows of personnel from the Navy, Army, Air Force, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies, describing their late husbands as patriots who answered the call to serve Nigeria.
“Too often, after the burial ceremonies are over, many widows are forgotten,” he said. “Today, we want you to know that your sacrifices and the sacrifices of your husbands are not forgotten.”
Tasiu added that under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Navy is working to strengthen engagement with families of serving and fallen officers through more support programmes and community partnerships.
The Delta State Commissioner for Women and Humanitarian Affairs, Pat Ajudua, represented by Mrs Sally Anyadike, commended the Navy for organising what she described as an inclusive outreach that recognised widows from different backgrounds.
She said the programme showed that pain and hardship affect people regardless of profession or social status.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including officials from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, retired senior naval officers, medical personnel and other security representatives.
