The Peace Fund for Victims of Insecurity in Nigeria has commenced the distribution of cash and relief materials to recipients in the South East Region.
The Committee, upon inauguration, had set about profiling would-be recipients and making necessary arrangements prior to commencement of its operations. The arrangements included interfacing with the security high-command to get their support and buy-in as well as getting necessary records from the Commands in each State of its operation.
Having concluded its preliminary documentation, the Fund, today in Umuahia, Abia State, commenced the distribution of cash and relief items to identified victims.
In its inaugural outing at the Abia State Police Command Headquarters in Umuahia, the representatives of the Fund provided cash and relief materials to 14 families of slain security officials who died while serving in Abia State. 5 profiled Families got cash of 1 Million Naira each and food items while another 9 got food items while the fund verifies their records for cash disbursement.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Secretary of the Peace Fund for Victims of Insecurity, Mary Ikoku noted that the Fund was created to provide succor to families of security officials who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. She stated that although an initiative of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the Fund has attracted the support of other well-meaning Nigerians who have donated generously to the Fund.
Also speaking at the event, the Publicity Secretary of the Fund, Mr. Sam Hart, thanked the Abia State Police Command for their warm reception of the delegation and for going the extra mile to ensure the success of the mission of the delegation noting that such synergy between the security agencies and the civil population was what was needed to foster a new paradigm in the country.
In his speech while welcoming the delegation, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Police Command, CP Danladi Isah extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu for his vision in setting up the Fund. The State Commissioner of Police equally appreciated all the donors who have so far donated to the Fund and urged more donors to support the initiative as it will serve as a morale booster to serving Policemen to know that their families will not be forgotten should they pay the ultimate price in the line of duty.
The CP noted that the Police, under Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, has rolled out a number of laudable welfare schemes to support serving and deceased Policemen but encouraged the populace to continue to do whatever they can to support the Police who are facing daily danger while securing the people.
Those who spoke on behalf of the recipients and in appreciation of the gesture of the Deputy Speaker and the Peace Fund include the Secretary of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) in Abia State, Mrs. Helen Okoye and the President of the Late Police Officers Wives Association (LAPOWA) in Abia State, Mrs. Vivian Nwogbe.
High point of the event was the presentation of cheques and relief items to the widows of Policemen who died in the line of duty.
The Peace Fund delegation has moved to Imo States after which it will proceed to Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States. The activities of the Fund is expected to extend to other parts of the Country which have been ravaged by insecurity.
It will be recalled that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu ,CON, had in June this year, inaugurated a seven-man Peace Fund Committee to help raise financial assistance for the victims of insecurity in the South-east region and Nigeria as a whole.
Kalu had kick-started the activities of the Fund by donating N10 million during his condolence visit to the families of soldiers who were killed in action at the 144 Battalion Headquarters in Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State. He thereafter inaugurated a Committee to oversee the Fund and expand the window of beneficiaries.
The Membership of the Fund include Chief Daniel Akwari as the Chairman and Mrs. Mary Ikoku as the Secretary. Also, a former Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Martins Azubuike, is to serve as the Treasurer, while Sam Ifeanyi Hart, mni would serve as the Publicity Secretary. Other members of the Committee include a former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu; the Member representing Bogoro/Das/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Jaafaru Leko, as well as the Member representing Birnin Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza Federal Constituency of Kebbi State, Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed.
Kalu further charged the committee to ensure that accurate demographic data of the affected families was gathered, adding that they also have his mandate to reach out to spirited individuals, corporate organisations and agencies in the society to appeal for their support to the Fund.
He said: “Remembering the widows and family members of our fallen heroes in the security forces will make them proud that their husbands did not labour in vain and motivate those still serving to give their all on their job.
“Your mandate also extends to communities that have been ravaged by insecurity to provide succour to them and restore their hope. You are the kick-starters of the project. Your committee will soon be expanded to accommodate other interests and critical stakeholders.
“You are starting from the South-east but your mandate will extend beyond the region in due course. Ensure you work with data and remain above board at all times. I have no doubt that with the calibre of people on the committee, you will meet our expectations.”
Well-meaning Nigerians have since generously donated to the Fund in support of the objective and the Committee has begun disbursements.
Sam Hart, mni
Publicity Secretary
Peace Fund for Victims of Insecurity
