Concerned about the welfare of its community, the FCT Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), through its Officers’ Wives Association (CDOWA), yesterday extended offered assistance to widows of fallen personnel, wives of serving officers and other vulnerable members of the Corps.
Amid rising economic hardship across the country, the food outreach, held at the NSCDC FCT Command Headquarters in Abuja, offered more than just packed bags of foodstuff; it delivered a message of unity, dignity and shared resilience.
Speaking at the quiet but deeply moving ceremony, the chairperson of CDOWA and wife of the FCT Commandant, Mrs. Bolanle Olayinka Odumosu, said the outreach was born out of a desire to support those who continue to stand behind the uniforms, especially in challenging times.
She said, “Today’s gathering is about extending love, unity, and mutual support within our community. As wives, mothers, and partners to our officers, we understand the importance of standing together, especially in times like these“.
A total of 450 beneficiaries received food support packages, marking the third such intervention led by Mrs.
Odumosu in two years. She emphasised that CDOWA‘s commitment goes beyond material assistance, aiming also to equip women with the knowledge and strength to navigate today’s economic realities.
She commended FoodBank Naija for partnering with CDOWA to make the food distribution possible and acknowledged the encouragement of the association’s national president, Hajia Aishatu Ahmed Audi.
The CDOWA FCT chairperson , also paid tribute to her husband, the NSCDC FCT Commandant, for his “behind-the-scenes” support that made the outreach successful.
Reiterating CDOWA’s pledge to stand by the widows of NSCDC fallen heroes, Mrs. Odumosu encouraged women to remain innovative and resilient.
“As women, we are the backbone of our families and communities. We must think creatively, explore new opportunities, and use what we have learnt today to forge stronger families and uplift one another,” she said.
The event also featured a keynote address titled “Women and Economic Survival: Creative Paths To Family Sustainability,” delivered by the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat.
A widow, who gave her name only as Mrs. Esther, said the outreach provided a moment of relief and recognition.
“It’s not just the food, it’s knowing that someone remembers that we are not alone,” she said.
The NSCDC commandant and chief host of the Food Support Programme, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, who was visibly moved by the event, expressed appreciation for the unity displayed by the CDOWA chapter and reaffirmed the Corps‘ commitment to welfare initiatives.
“In an era where economic headlines often overshadow human stories, this outreach offers a powerful reminder that small acts of compassion driven by community and shared sacrifice can make a profound difference,“ he said.
„Let us use what we learned today to build stronger families, uplift one another, and remind ourselves that we are stronger together,” Odumosu added.
On his part, the chief executive officer of FoodBank Naija, Mr. Kingsley Nnaji, who delivered a heartfelt call for greater support and public-private collaboration in tackling hunger, announced that the initiative will now become a monthly programme.
He said, “We cannot fight hunger with good intentions alone,” Nnaji said. “Every donation, no matter how small, brings us closer to a Nigeria without hunger. When you give food, you give hope.”
