Ex-Mokola Barracks Boys Association (EMBBA) over the weekend put smiles on faces of widows of slain soldiers at Letmuck Barracks, Mokola, Ibadan by giving them gifts of cash and rice.
The event which took place at 81 Battalion Soldiers Club, was the fifth edition of free distribution of Christmas and New Year gifts to widows of slain soldiers by EMBBA.
About eighty widows benefitted from the kind gestures of EXMBBA during this year’s edition.
In his welcome address at the event, President of the organization, Hon. Godwin Obode (Gordons), solicited more moral and financial supports for widows of slain soldiers in the hard economy.
Hon. Obode noted that the women deserved attention from government and all stakeholders, because they became widows as a result of their husbands’ death in the course of service to Nigeria.
His words: “despite the hard economy, we cannot close our eyes to the suffering of widows of slain soldiers in this barracks. We just have to put smiles on their faces, no matter how little, especially in this special season”.
The President of EMBBA commended the General Commanding Officer (GOC) 2 Divi, Major General Obinna Onubogu;
Cantonment Commander, Brig Gen S A Adeyemo; and Commanding Officer
81 Battalion, Col S O Lawal, for giving necessary supports to the organization.
Obode also commended members of EMBBA members, both at home and in the diaspora for making this year’s edition a reality despite the economic crisis in Nigeria.
Some of the widows who spoke with our Correspondent, expressed gratitude to the organization for its usual financial support to them, especially during Yelutide period.
The widows revealed that life has become more difficult for then since the demise of their husbands, who were bread winners of their families.
Executives of EMBBA include: Hon. Obode (President ), Ajibola Olatonirin (Gen. Secretary), John Shore (Asst Gen. Secretary), Zabiri Godfrey (Treasurer), Oyase Victor (Provost), Oddiah Emmanuel (Auditor), Babalola Adigun (PRO), and Oguntubi Olusegun (Ex-Officio).
Members of the organization included;
Tunde Ajao,Tony Ighodaro, Samuel Omole, Francis Ekhasomi,Tolulope,,Yinka Ajao,
Toluwalase,
Taiwo Bolaji, Samuel Shore
Moses olowojaiye,
Dr Taiwo Adekanbi,Tony Ighodaro,Moses Obode,kehinde Ola
Accurate, Tayo AjaoJustice, Flames, Felix. Segzy, Jude Jackson,, Kazeem, Osas, Simon,
Samuel Osagie, Emmanuel Ekeinde ,Wedi, Innocent Alemo.Dominic Ighodaro,too numerous to mention
Others are; MC Bgsmile,
, Tunde Ngbeken,
Segun Aina, Aliyu, Barth Uja, Kazeem Pentorise,
Sheriff, Wasiu Ajebo, Abbey Amaoo, Jeff Ekong,
Sunday Ogbebor,
Mike Onumaboa,
Austin Zibiri,Ayan,
Sunday Baba and a host of others
Those in the diaspora really gave supportive strength knowing the biting economy back home included; Douglas Obode,
Adeyinka Suleiman,
Emmanuel Omomjasa,
Ade Aina, Muftau Saka, Oba
Solomon Obode, and
Dr John Okoruwa.
