Abuja: The Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC), on Sunday distributed meat palliative to no fewer than 380 beneficiaries who are families of NDC community in Abuja. The association made the distribution in collaboration with Near Foundation as part of Eid-el Kabir celebration.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the President of AANDEC, retired Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi, said the distribution was an annual event aimed at providing support for the military community, especially the NDC community. Abdullahi mentioned that the beneficiaries were drawn from the barracks and widows of fallen heroes, as well as selected vulnerable members of the society. A total of 15 cows were donated by the donor partners to be slaughtered and distributed to the beneficiaries at the premises of the college.

Abdullahi noted that the association had been organising such humanitarian activities for the NDC community, widows of fallen heroes, and also the needy amongst them for the last five years. The beneficiaries are mostly the needy, widows of fallen soldiers, and others who can be supported in the spirit of the Salah celebration. Although previously more than 600 people were reached, this year’s distribution was reduced to about 380 due to the current situation in the country.

He highlighted the importance of positively impacting lives and addressing hunger as part of national security efforts. Abdullahi also expressed gratitude to the donor partners for their continuous support and urged Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s efforts in addressing the current hardship in the country. The event was supported by Near Foundation and Ufuk Dialogue, among other contributors.

Some beneficiaries praised AANDEC for the gesture, expressing happiness for the distribution of cow meat for the Salah celebration. AANDEC represents former participants of the National Defence College, comprising both serving and retired senior military officers.