Group Unveils Initiative To Provide Scholarship For 30,000 Children, Celebrate Fallen Heroes

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

As part of efforts to encourage acts of patriotism and sacrifices for Nigeria, the Youth Ablaze Empowerment Initiative (YAEI) on Tuesday unveiled a national initiative aimed at identifying, recognizing, and uplifting ordinary Nigerians who embody courage, service, and sacrifice.

Mr. Faith Eches, Founder of YAEI and Initiator of the Hero for Heroes Project, at a brief ceremony to mark the official unveiling of the project in Abuja, declared that the organisation targets to support over 30,000 families through strategic interventions, such as scholarships, agricultural empowerment, healthcare support, and documentation of service.

The Hero for Heroes initiative commits to providing 30,000 scholarships for children and dependents of heroes, ensuring sacrifices do not derail dreams.

It will also float 3,000 greenhouses to promote sustainable agriculture and food security, alongside one-hectare plantations to foster livelihoods and long-term prosperity.

Addressing guests at the event, including military personnel, government officials, media representatives, and families of fallen heroes of the Nigerian Military, Eches emphasized that true remembrance must extend beyond ceremonies into tangible empowerment.

“We commit to supporting 30,000 scholarships for children and dependents of heroes,” he declared.

Eches stressed that this is “not charity, but strategic empowerment” and “dignity restored through opportunity.”

“What happens after the salute? Who remembers the widow raising children alone or the injured officer rebuilding a future?” he posed, framing the project as a response to these overlooked realities.

Described as non-political and inclusive of all ranks, uniforms, and backgrounds, the initiative targets living and fallen defence heroes from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and paramilitary, alongside diaspora Nigerians contributing through advocacy, remittances, and skills.

Eches, who briefed journalists in company of Mr. Izu Freeman, Project Director for the Heroes Project, and Mrs. Lilian Nwigube, the Field Coordinator of the Project, among other officials, noted that the pilot phase will kick off these efforts.

He disclosed that plans are underway to extend the project to other sectors of the Nigerian economy to ensure that heroes are not only identified but that their stories are documented for posterity.

He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its emphasis on rewarding excellence, including national honors for armed forces personnel combating terrorism and insurgency.

“This project supports those efforts,” Eches noted, positioning Hero for Heroes as a complementary nation-building tool.

In a broad call to action, Eches urged government institutions, the private sector, development partners, media, civil society, and citizens to join in identifying heroes, documenting stories, and funding futures.

“When we honour heroes properly, we inspire a generation to serve with integrity,” he declared.

The launch underscores a renewed commitment to turning national remembrance into restoration, with Eches concluding: “Let it be said that Nigeria did more than remember – we acted, invested, and empowered.”Youth Ablaze Empowerment Initiative plans nationwide rollout, inviting public nominations to amplify unsung stories of service.