The Nigerian Contingent of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG), led by the Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Yahaya Mohammed Abdullahi, has presented learning materials and other essential items to more than 20 children and family members of fallen personnel of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF).
A statement signed by Captain Babale Kela Public Information Officer Nigerian Contingent, ECOMIG said the presentation, initiated by Intake 28 Alpha as part of efforts to support the welfare and educational development of the children of their departed colleagues, was held at the Defence Camp, Yundum Barracks, on Saturday, 19 September 2026.
Speaking at the event, the Contingent Commander expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen personnel and commended Intake 28 Alpha for the thoughtful initiative, describing it as a meaningful demonstration of military comradeship, compassion and responsibility.
Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi noted that the initiative was particularly significant because it resonates with the Nigerian Armed Forces’ longstanding commitment to the welfare of families of personnel who have paid the supreme sacrifice in service to their country.
This gesture is in line with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu’s core value of sustained emphasis on the welfare of personnel and the families of fallen heroes, particularly through initiatives designed to support their dependants and provide opportunities for the children of fallen personnel to continue their education and pursue their aspirations.
According to him, the support provided to the children of fallen GAF personnel reflects the same values of care, responsibility and solidarity that underpin such welfare initiatives within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He said, “The sacrifice made by our fallen colleagues does not end with their passing. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that their families, particularly their children, continue to receive the support, encouragement and opportunities they deserve.”
The Contingent Commander further offered prayers for the beneficiaries, wishing them strength, wisdom and success in their education and future endeavours. He expressed hope that the children would grow into responsible citizens who would contribute meaningfully to the development of The Gambia.
Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi described his participation in the initiative as a privilege, stressing that military service transcends national boundaries and that the welfare of fallen personnel and their families remains a shared responsibility within the military profession.
He commended the Commanding Officer, 1 Infantry Battalion, Yundum Barracks, Lieutenant Colonel Ambrose Dacosta, and the organising committee for their initiative and continued commitment to the welfare of the beneficiaries.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Chairperson of Intake 28 Alpha, Captain Sainabou Jatta, explained that the initiative was organised to provide essential educational materials and other items to the children of their departed colleagues.
She assured the beneficiaries that the sacrifices of their parents would never be forgotten and encouraged them to uphold the values of courage, discipline, sacrifice and service exemplified by their parents.
Captain Jatta urged the children to remain focused on their education, study diligently and strive for excellence, while also commending the caregivers for their dedication, love and commitment to raising the children.
Also speaking, the Commanding Officer, 1 Infantry Battalion, Yundum Barracks, Lieutenant Colonel Ambrose Dacosta, observed that the loss of military personnel often creates emotional, social and economic challenges for the families and dependants they leave behind
He noted that while the presence of departed colleagues could never be replaced, collective efforts could help alleviate some of the challenges confronting their families.
Lieutenant Colonel Dacosta described the initiative as a meaningful demonstration of comradeship and responsibility, stressing that supporting the education of the children went beyond providing school materials, as it would help preserve their hopes, build their confidence and create opportunities for them to achieve their academic aspirations.
In his remarks, the Camp Commandant, Defence Headquarters Camp, Gambia Armed Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Sainey Bayo, who was represented at the occasion, expressed condolences to the families of the fallen personnel and urged the beneficiaries to accept the continued solidarity and goodwill extended to them by the association and the wider military community.
The items presented by the Nigerian Contingent Commander included bags of rice, vegetable oil, school bags, mathematical sets, writing materials, exercise books and other educational and household items. The event featured words of encouragement to the beneficiaries and their guardians, presentation of the items and group photographs.
The initiative underscores the enduring spirit of comradeship, compassion and solidarity within the military community. It also demonstrates how the welfare philosophy of supporting families of fallen personnel can extend beyond national boundaries, strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the Nigerian and Gambian Armed Forces.
