Organization Seeks Trust Fund For Families Of Deceased Military Personnel

By; PETER NOSAKHARE,Kaduna

An organization, Support Defense Trust is advocating that families of dead or killed military and paramilitary personnel be well supported and adequately taken care of in advent of loss of their spouses.

This plea was made by Lead Advocate of the organization, Muhammed Usman Thompson at a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna Secretariat on Monday.

According to him, “Everyday, men and women of Nigeria’s armed forces and paramilitary services put on their uniforms to defend the nation often at great personal risk. Behind each of these brave individuals stands a family: spouses, children, parents, and loved ones who carry silent burdens.”

He said many of these families face economic hardship, limited access to education, inadequate psychosocial support, and in some cases, eviction from the barracks after losing their breadwinner in active duty and when, the nation moves on, these families are left behind.

Thompson stressed that, “The DEFEND Trust Fund Campaign” is a national citizens’ movement to rally 100,000 signatures in 100 days (October 6, 2025 – January 14, 2026) that is charged to push for the establishment of the Defence Families Empowerment and Development Trust Fund (DEFEND Trust Fund) a 100 billion Naira national initiative to provide scholarships, entrepreneurship and vocational training, cooperative financing, and psychosocial support for military and paramilitary families.

For me, “I grew up in military barracks where I saw more obituary pictures than birthday or wedding pictures combined. I have watched families thrown out of their homes after the death of their breadwinner in active duty.

I’ve seen too many non-commissioned officers’ families live in abject poverty because of meagre salaries and the absence of structured support.”

This campaign is personal he explained, and it’s about justice, dignity, and hope for the families behind the uniform.”

“I believe this is the right time for this initiative. The current administration in Nigeria has demonstrated a strong commitment to economically empowering its citizens, promoting financial inclusion, and supporting vulnerable groups.”

Establishing a sustainable trust fund for military and paramilitary families aligns perfectly with these priorities and provides a structured national mechanism to uplift those who have long been underserved.

“This campaign is being launched in partnership with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) recognizing the critical role of the media in shaping national conversations, driving policy, and influencing positive change. Through this partnership, we aim to galvanize nationwide awareness and mobilize voices to make this initiative a reality.”

The DEFEND Trust Fund Campaign also draws inspiration from international precedents in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and several U.S. states, where statutory trust funds and grant programs exist to support service families. Nigeria must not be left behind.

The organization called on all Nigerians, civilians, military families, civil society, and policymakers to sign the petition at www.supportdtf.org and add their voices to this national call for action.