The Federal Government has provided business grants worth ₦25 million to 500 military widows and wives of personnel serving in operational areas through a partnership between the Ministry of Defence and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting the economic resilience of military families.

Listen: Defence Minister Christopher Musa on the grants initiative

Also at the event, the Director-General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, said the grants would enable beneficiaries to expand and strengthen their businesses, while commending the Ministry of Defence for facilitating the partnership.

The National President of the Military Widows Association of Nigeria, Maria Emmanuel, welcomed the initiative and pledged that beneficiaries would make productive use of the funds to improve their livelihoods.

Listen: SMEDAN DG Charles Odii on empowering beneficiaries

— UCHECHI NLEMUWA