The Executive Secretary of the Centre for Wounded Servicemen and Fallen Heroes Support Fund (CFWS&FHSF), Mr. Ezekiel Adi, has announced a strategic collaboration with Comrade Bibi Oduku, Chairman of Guard Time Information (GTI), Human Rights Activists Nationwide, to strengthen human rights advocacy for wounded servicemen and the families of fallen heroes across Nigeria's military and paramilitary organizations.
The partnership is designed to promote lifelong support for wounded servicemen, improve the welfare of bereaved families, alleviate suffering, and advocate for policies that recognize the sacrifices made by those who dedicate their lives to protecting Nigeria. The collaboration will also promote the values of peace, harmony, love, unity, patriotism, selfless service, integrity, and unwavering commitment to national development.
Speaking during a meeting held at the headquarters of the Centre in the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Complex, Abuja, Mr. Ezekiel Adi stated that the partnership would create a stronger platform for defending the rights and welfare of military and paramilitary personnel and their families. According to him, many deserving officers have not fully benefited from the welfare packages and entitlements due to them over the years, and the collaboration will provide a more effective and coordinated advocacy framework to address these concerns.
In his remarks, Comrade Bibi Oduku reaffirmed the commitment of Guard Time Information to championing the rights of all Nigerians, particularly members of the armed forces and paramilitary agencies who continually risk their lives to safeguard the nation's territorial integrity, coastal regions, and internal security.
He stressed that officers who faithfully serve the nation deserve fair remuneration, timely payment of salaries and pensions, gratuities, healthcare, insurance benefits, and other statutory entitlements. He pledged that GTI would vigorously pursue legitimate cases involving delayed pensions, unpaid gratuities, and other welfare-related issues affecting both serving and retired personnel.
The two organizations also agreed to jointly implement nationwide advocacy and public enlightenment programmes on Non-Violence, Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding, as well as Drug Abuse and Crime Prevention Awareness Campaigns across military and paramilitary formations, institutions, and barracks.
Special attention will be given to educating the children of military and paramilitary personnel on the dangers of drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, internet fraud, and other social vices. The partners expressed concern over the growing influence of illicit drug abuse and organized criminal activities among Nigerian youths, describing the trend as a serious threat to national security and sustainable development.
The organizations resolved to collaborate with relevant government agencies, security institutions, civil society organizations, educational institutions, religious bodies, and development partners to intensify campaigns aimed at reducing drug abuse, promoting moral values, and encouraging responsible citizenship among young Nigerians.
Mr. Ezekiel Adi commended Comrade Bibi Oduku and Guard Time Information for their unwavering commitment to defending human rights, supporting vulnerable citizens, standing with the oppressed, and rendering humanitarian services across the country. He encouraged the organization to continue expanding its advocacy efforts and humanitarian interventions for the benefit of society.
In response, Comrade Bibi Oduku assured stakeholders that the partnership would remain focused on ensuring that the rights and welfare of wounded servicemen, families of fallen heroes, retired personnel, and serving officers receive the attention they deserve. He emphasized that every legitimate entitlement owed to military and paramilitary personnel should be honoured without unnecessary delay.
Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to working together to promote justice, human dignity, accountability, peace, and improved welfare for those who have sacrificed so much in the service of Nigeria. They called on government institutions, security agencies, corporate organizations, development partners, and well-meaning Nigerians to support initiatives aimed at improving the lives of wounded servicemen, veterans, and the families of the nation's fallen heroes.
