Politics
GOV. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has admonished Nigerians to support governments’ efforts in promoting the welfare of ex-servicemen, families of fallen heroes and heroines.
AbdulRazaq said this at the launch of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Emblem Appeal Fund held on Wednesday in Ilorin.
“We have a duty to show our appreciation by contributing generously for the upkeep of their families.
“This is one of the many ways their loved ones can feel that these heroes did not die in vain.
“Our appreciation will also encourage current members of the Armed Forces to serve bravely, knowing that they will not be forgotten, even in death.
“This is a special fundraiser to cater for the families and dependents of our ex-servicemen, who fought gallantly during the World Wars and Nigeria Civil War.
“The fund will also cater for families of soldiers who lost their lives during peacekeeping operations in different parts of the country as well as the victims of the Hercules C130 plane crash of Sept. 26, 1992.
“This fund will also provide assistance to those incapacitated as a result of these wars and incidents,’’ the governor said.
He urged Nigerians to always remember that the gallant heroes and heroines made the supreme sacrifice for peace and harmony in the country.
“Permit me to seize this opportunity to specially commend the efforts of the legion members.
“The fact that you make it a point of duty to mobilise funds annually in support of your incapacitated colleagues, their families and those of your dead colleagues, is quite commendable.
“We will always within the available resources support you in your concern for the fallen and incapacitated heroes and heroines,” he said.
The governor made a donation to the legion and urged public-spirited and wealthy Nigerians to do the same.
The Commissioner for Social Development, Mrs Opeyemi Folashade, said that the week is set aside to recognise the laudable services of the gallant officers.
Folashade contended that the labour of the country’s heroes should not be in vain.
The State Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Brig.-Gen. Abdulkadir Anigiobi (rtd), appealed to the government and well-meaning individuals to support the families of the fallen heroes and those incapacitated during the wars.
“Armed Forces Emblem Appeal Fund week is an annual event with the sole aim of raising funds for the care of the families and dependents of our fallen heroes.
“These heros were those who fought gallantly during the last civil war and world wars.
“They also include our gallant officers and soldiers, who lost their lives through insurgency in the North-East, communal clashes and terrorist attacks.
“The fund will also provide assistance to those incapacitated as a result of those unfortunate wars and incidents,” he further said. (NAN)
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-January 10, 2024 @ 19:31 GMT|
Tags: Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
