Nigerian Contingent Supports Families of Fallen Gambian Soldiers
The Nigerian Contingent of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG) has donated educational materials, food items and other essential supplies to more than 20 children and family members of fallen personnel of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF).
The gesture, led by the Nigerian Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Yahaya Mohammed Abdullahi, was made at the Defence Camp, Yundum Barracks, on Saturday as part of efforts to support the welfare and education of children of deceased military personnel.
The initiative was organised by Intake 28 Alpha to provide essential educational materials and household items to the families of their departed colleagues.
Speaking at the event, Abdullahi expressed condolences to the families of the fallen personnel and commended members of Intake 28 Alpha for what he described as a demonstration of military comradeship, compassion and responsibility.
He said the initiative reflected the longstanding commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to the welfare of families of personnel who die in the line of duty.
According to him, supporting the dependants of fallen personnel, particularly by helping their children remain in school and pursue their aspirations, remains an important component of military welfare.
Abdullahi said the gesture to the families of fallen Gambian soldiers reflected the same values of care, solidarity and responsibility that underpin similar welfare initiatives within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“The sacrifice made by our fallen colleagues does not end with their passing. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that their families, particularly their children, continue to receive the support, encouragement and opportunities they deserve,” he said.
He prayed for the beneficiaries, wishing them strength, wisdom and success in their education and future endeavours.
The Nigerian commander also expressed hope that the children would grow into responsible citizens and contribute meaningfully to the development of The Gambia.
Read Also:
Abdullahi described his participation in the initiative as a privilege, noting that military service transcended national boundaries and that the welfare of fallen personnel and their families remained a shared responsibility within the military profession.
He commended the Commanding Officer, 1 Infantry Battalion, Yundum Barracks, Lieutenant Colonel Ambrose Dacosta, and the organising committee for their commitment to the welfare of the beneficiaries.
Earlier, the Chairperson of Intake 28 Alpha, Captain Sainabou Jatta, said the initiative was designed to provide educational and essential household materials to the children of their departed colleagues.
Jatta assured the beneficiaries that the sacrifices of their parents would not be forgotten, urging them to uphold the values of courage, discipline, sacrifice and service demonstrated by their parents.
She encouraged the children to remain focused on their education, study diligently and strive for excellence, while commending their caregivers for their dedication and commitment to raising them.
Also speaking, Dacosta said the loss of military personnel often created emotional, social and economic challenges for the families and dependants left behind.
He acknowledged that while the presence of departed colleagues could not be replaced, collective support could help ease some of the difficulties confronting their families.
According to him, supporting the education of the children went beyond providing school materials, as it could help preserve their hopes, build confidence and create opportunities for them to achieve their academic aspirations.
The Camp Commandant, Defence Headquarters Camp, Gambia Armed Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Sainey Bayo, who was represented at the occasion, also expressed condolences to the families and urged the beneficiaries to appreciate the continued solidarity of their colleagues and the wider military community.
Items presented to the beneficiaries included bags of rice, vegetable oil, school bags, mathematical sets, writing materials, exercise books and other educational and household supplies.
The event featured words of encouragement to the children and their guardians, presentation of the items and group photographs.
The initiative further demonstrated the spirit of comradeship and solidarity within the military community, while highlighting the potential for welfare initiatives for families of fallen personnel to strengthen bonds of friendship and cooperation between the Nigerian and Gambian Armed Forces.
By PRNigeria
