Edo State Awards Full Scholarships to Children of Fallen Brigadier General Braimah : Koutatimes

In a moving tribute to national sacrifice, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved full educational scholarships for the three children of the late Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah. The announcement, made on Thursday, April 16, 2026, ensures that the children’s education will be entirely funded from their current levels through to the university level. Consequently, the state government aims to provide long-term stability for the family of the fallen hero, who hailed from Warake in Owan East Local Government Area.

1. Honouring the Sacrifice of a Hero

The primary objective of the scholarship is to alleviate the financial burden on the family following the tragic loss of the General. Brigadier General Braimah, the Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade, was killed on Thursday, April 9, 2026, during a coordinated insurgent attack on a military base in Benisheikh, Borno State. Key details of the scholarship include:

The Beneficiaries: * Farida Hussain-Braimah (18): A 100-level Software Engineering student at Nile University, Abuja.
- Amir Hussain-Braimah (16): An SS3 student at Olumawu Senior School, Abuja.
- Yasmeen Hussain-Braimah (12): A JSS2 pupil at Olumawu Junior Secondary School, Abuja.
Scope of Support: The state will cover all tuition and academic-related expenses until the completion of their university degrees.
Moral Obligation: Governor Okpebholo described the gesture as a “moral obligation,” stating that no child of an Edo hero should be denied the opportunity to succeed due to their parent’s ultimate sacrifice.

2. Part of the SHINE Agenda

The scholarship initiative aligns with the education pillar of Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, which prioritizes human capital development and social welfare. Furthermore, the administration emphasizes that supporting military families is an indispensable step toward building a more “Accountable and Compassionate” government.

National Patriotism: The Governor lauded the late General as a symbol of discipline and courage, urging other state governments and private stakeholders to emulate this structured support for fallen personnel.
Human Capital Investment: By securing the academic future of these children, the state is making a deliberate investment in the next generation of professionals.

3. A Backstory of Military Valor

The death of Brigadier General Braimah follows a significant backstory of intense military operations in the North-East. This historical context explains why his loss has resonated so deeply across the nation. Historically, the 29 Task Force Brigade has been a critical bulwark against terrorism on the Maiduguri-Damaturu Highway; however, this recent attack underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the armed forces in the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP.

Consequently, the NRS and military stakeholders view this high-level support from Edo State as a vital signal of solidarity. By providing “Sovereign Support” to the next of kin, the state is helping to bolster the morale of troops currently serving on the front lines. This shift marks the transition of the state’s role from passive observer to an active partner in the “National Security and Welfare” framework.

Future Outlook: Safeguarding the Academic Journey

Looking ahead, the Edo State Government plans to formalize these scholarships through a dedicated endowment fund to ensure continuity regardless of political cycles. Governor Okpebholo believes that “honour must be met with action.” Therefore, the 2026 fiscal year includes specific provisions for the families of indigenous personnel who lose their lives in active service.

With the continued support of the President and the Defence Headquarters, Governor Monday Okpebholo is proving that Edo State stands by its heroes. The commitment of the administration to “Social Welfare and Inclusive Governance” remains the driving force behind this decision. For the Hussain-Braimah family, this scholarship represents a firm promise that the nation will never forget the sacrifice of their father. The journey toward a more supportive and resilient Nigeria continues with every child educated and every hero honoured.