Three widows of soldiers who died in active service have won a car each in a lottery sponsored by Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, according to Punch.
The report revealed that the ballots were held after a church service marking the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the Victory Chapel, Government House, Owerri on Sunday.
The governor conducted balloting for the widows, and three of them won a car each, while the rest of the widows were given N5,000 (five thousand naira) each.
The widows who won the cars were Mrs. Okpara Gertrude, Mrs. Paulina Mbaegbu, and Mrs. Esther Dike.
In his speech at the event, Governor Okorocha urged the widows to remain courageous, adding,“especially when you remember that your husbands sacrificed their lives for the nation.”
He promised to continue to support them in their endeavours and also encouraged other leaders to do same, noting,“Our nation must continue to appreciate the sacrifices of our heroes past and must see it as an obligation to take care of the widows they leave behind.”
And to the soldiers at the church service, Okorocha charged, “As soldiers, you should be committed to your jobs and imbibe the spirit of patriotism and nationhood.
“You should also protect the territorial integrity, lives and properties of Nigerian citizens.”
He added, “A hero does not complain or shake, no matter the difficulties he may face in the discharge of his duties.
“A good soldier should not be afraid while discharging his duties, because once fear sets in, failure follows.”
Speaking to Punch, one of the car beneficiaries, Mrs. Paulina Mbaegbu, thanked Okorocha for the gesture.
“May God bless Okorocha and Imo State Government,”she said.