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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
A private organisation, Defend Trust Fund Campaign (DTFC), has concluded arrangements to launch a national campaign to raise funds to empower families of soldiers and other paramilitary personnel across the country.
Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna, the Lead Advocate, Defend Trust Fund Campaign, Mohammed Usman Thompson, said the organisation would in four months collect 100,000 signatures to push for the establishment of the Empowerment programme.
Thompson, however, lamented the socioeconomic burdens often faced by family members left behind at home by uniform personnel, while on national duty to defend the country.
“The Defend Trust Fund Campaign is a national citizens’ movement to rally 100,000 signatures in 100 days (October 6, 2025 – January 14, 2026) to push for the establishment of the Defence Families Empowerment and Development Trust Fund (Defend Trust Fund), a N100 billion national initiative to provide scholarships, entrepreneurship and vocational training, cooperative financing, and psychosocial support for military and paramilitary families.
“Every day, 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.
“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. Too often, when the nation moves on, these families are left behind.
“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.
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“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, it’s about justice, dignity, and hope for the families behind the uniform. 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 galvanise 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 Defend Trust Fund Campaign calls 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,” Thompson said.
