The Victims Support Fund (VSF) Emergency Task Force on COVID-19 on Monday donated N7 million to families of the deceased officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The Chairperson of the task force, Mrs Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, while presenting the donation also condoled with NAF and the families of the seven officers, who died on February 21 in a plane crash.
Akerele-Ogunsiji said the organisation was concerned about the plight of the affected families due to their loss.
She said each family of the seven officers, who died in the plane crash would receive financial support of N1 million as VSF’s way of showing them love and sympathy for the loss.
The chairperson said the donation became necessary considering the support VSF enjoyed from NAF in its activities at the peak of COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
“The donation is an initiative of VSF with the support of its Chairman, retired General TY Danjuma, as a way of offering financial support to families of the deceased.
“We know you are going through a lot; we want you to know that we understand your pain and we are here to show our love and support because these fallen heroes will never be forgotten,” she said.
According to her, they serve this country with their hearts, so they deserve to be honoured.
“The Task Force on COVID-19 is an emergency response team inaugurated by the chairman of the VSF to provide palliative measures to displaced persons and the vulnerable.
“As well as provide institutional support to government agencies supporting the national effort to fight COVID 19,” she said.
In his remarks, Chief of Air Staff, NAF, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, commended VSF for the kind donation and standing by Nigerian Air Force in this situation.
Amao represented by Chief of Policy and Plans, AVM Remigius Ekeh, noted that while the officers were alive they gave their best in serving the nation; hence their contributions would not be in vain.
He said the Air force would do its best to ensure that their memories were not forgotten while assuring their families the Air force’s continued support.
Amao also said the Nigerian Air Force would continue to give its best in the fight against insurgency in the country.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Ms Rose Etim-Asuquo appreciated the team of VSF for the financial support while commending the management of NAF for standing by them.
