In a heartwarming display of compassion and empowerment, the Hajiya Hadiza Mamman Vatsa Foundation has left an indelible mark on the lives of 60 widows of fallen heroes in Maiduguri, drawing commendation from the Theatre Commander Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Maj Gen GU Chibuisi.
Deputy Theatre Commander Maj Gen OM Bello represented Gen Chibuisi at the empowerment ceremony, which took place on January 16, 2024, at the esteemed Theatre Command Officers’ Mess in Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri. He praised the foundation for its outstanding commitment to the widows’ well-being. The celebration, which took place immediately following the Armed Forces Day and Remembrance, was especially meaningful because it honoured those who gave their lives in defence of the country.
Gen. Chibuisi highlighted the initiative’s distinctiveness and the long-lasting benefits it would bring to the recipients’ lives. He expressed gratitude for the foundation’s kind gesture and extended the Theatre Commander’s appreciation, praying for the continued growth and success of the Hajiya Hadiza Mamman Vatsa Foundation.
Founder of the Foundation, Ambassador Hadiza Mamman Vatsa, emotionally expressed her delight at empowering the widows, highlighting the crucial role of interventions beyond government efforts. She emphasized that the Foundation’s commitment goes beyond Maiduguri, with plans for similar empowerments in all 36 states of the country and the Federal Capital Territory.
Providing insight into the Foundation’s mission, Chairman Dr Abubakar Jimoh explained that it is a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of families connected to the Nigerian Armed Forces and Paramilitary. He underscored the Foundation’s recognition of the immense sacrifices made by patriotic individuals and its goal to alleviate their burdens through various support services, financial aid, and educational programs.
During the event, Mrs. Hadiza Mohammed, representing the beneficiaries, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the empowerment. The items presented included sewing machines, grinding machines, vulcanizing machines, and hair dryers, promising that the widows would make the best use of the invaluable resources provided.
The ceremony featured symbolic presentations of empowerment items, lively dance entertainment, capturing moments through photographs, and the presentation of tokens, wheelchairs, and crutches to wounded soldiers at 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital. The Hajiya Hadiza Mamman Vatsa Foundation’s unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of those affected by the sacrifices of fallen heroes stands as a beacon of hope in the midst of challenges.
However, the name of the foundation evokes memories of one Maj. Gen. Mamman Jiya Vatsa, who following a military tribunal’s conviction for treason related to an alleged abortive coup that many thought was a phantom plot, was put to death by the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, his childhood friend. Vatsa was a member of the Babangida-led Supreme Military Council and Minister of the Federal Capital Abuja prior to his passing.
