A national citizens’ movement, DEFEND Trust Fund Campaign has launched the push for the establishment of the Defence Families Empowerment and Development Trust Fund.
The goal is to establish a N100 billion national initiative to uplift military and paramilitary families who have been underserved for too long.
The campaign aims to rally 100,000 signatures in 100 days to support military and paramilitary families, who face economic hardship, limited access to education, and inadequate psychosocial support.
During a media conference in Kaduna, its Lead Advocate, Mohammed Usman Thompson said that the campaign is to highlight the sacrifices made by families of members of the country’s armed forces and paramilitary.
He said that many families are left to struggle after losing their breadwinner in active duty, with some facing eviction from barracks.
According to him, the DEFEND Trust Fund seeks to address these challenges by providing scholarships, entrepreneurship and vocational training, cooperative financing, and psychosocial support.
The campaign is supported by the Nigerian Union of Journalists. It draws inspiration from international precedents in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the United States, where statutory trust funds and grant programmes exist to support service families.
The DEFEND Trust Fund said it would offer financial assistance to military and paramilitary families for education and vocational training, equip families with skills and resources to start businesses and improve livelihoods.
It also promised to provide financial support and resources to families, and offer emotional and psychological support.
DEFEND Trust Fund called on all Nigerians to sign the petition and add their voices to the national call for action.
‘The current administration has demonstrated a commitment to economically empowering citizens, promoting financial inclusion, and supporting vulnerable groups. Establishing a sustainable trust fund for military and paramilitary families aligns perfectly with these priorities.
