A new national campaign has been launched to secure better support for the families of Nigeria’s military and paramilitary officers, many of whom are left in hardship after losing their loved ones in the line of duty.
The initiative, known as the DEFEND Trust Fund Campaign, seeks to gather 100,000 signatures in 100 days to push for the establishment of the Defence Families Empowerment and Development Trust Fund (DEFEND Trust Fund), a ₦100 billion national initiative.
The Fund will provide scholarships, vocational training, entrepreneurship support, cooperative financing, and psychosocial care to families of serving and fallen personnel.
At the launch at press conference at NUJ Kaduna, the Lead Advocate of the campaign Mohammed Usman Thompson, described the struggle faced by service families as “a silent burden carried for too long.”
“I grew up in military barracks where I saw more obituary pictures than birthday or wedding pictures combined,” Thompson said.
“I have watched families thrown out of their homes after the death of their breadwinner in active duty. This campaign is personal — it is about justice, dignity, and hope for the families behind the uniform.”
Organizers say the campaign comes at a time when the Nigerian government has shown strong commitment to empowering citizens, promoting financial inclusion, and supporting vulnerable groups.
They argue that establishing the Trust Fund will align with these priorities and provide a structured, sustainable safety net for families often forgotten after national tragedies.
The campaign is being rolled out in partnership with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), underscoring the role of the media in shaping public opinion and influencing policy.
Similar initiatives already exist in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the United States, offering statutory trust funds and grants to military families.
The DEFEND Trust Fund Campaign is now calling on Nigerians, civilians, military families, civil society groups, and policymakers , to sign the petition at www.supportdtf.org and lend their voices to the cause.
Organizers also thanked members of the press for their coverage and urged continued media support to drive the conversation to the relevant authorities until the Trust Fund becomes a reality.
COV: Adamu Yusuf
