Politics
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, led the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, members of the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly, service chiefs and the diplomatic corps to honour the nation’s fallen and living heroes on Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Governors of the 36 states of the federation and regional organisations also marked the event in their various states with promises to improve the lives of retired and servicing military officers and family members of fallen heroes.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day is celebrated annually to honour the fallen heroes who laid down their lives in service to humanity during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peace missions and various internal security operations.
The event is also used to honour veterans still alive and as a medium for soliciting financial, moral and material support for the families of the fallen heroes.
In Abuja, President Tinubu laid the ceremonial wreath and thereafter, signed the anniversary register and released the ceremonial pigeons as a symbol of national peace and freedom.
Fallen heroes, others deserve respect— Akpabio
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio in a statement said Nigeria’s fallen heroes, serving and retired military personnel deserve honour and respect.
He said the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces to keep Nigeria one and in peace should be acknowledged and accorded due honour and respect by every Nigerian.
“Nigerians owe their fallen heroes, serving and retired military personnel absolute honour, respect and in fact, a debt of gratitude because it is not a fluke for people to offer their lives in defense of their countrymen and women to live in peace and harmony.
Their sacrifices must not be forgotten — Sanwo-Olu
On his part, Governor Bababjide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, said Nigeria will continue to appreciate both serving and fallen gallant members of the Armed Forces for defending and sacrificing their lives for the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
“We will continue to remember them, their families and loved ones that they left behind. We will also continue to pray for the repose of the fallen heroes, and commit their families into God’s hands. Their sacrifices will surely not be forgotten,” he said.
We won’t take your sacrifices for granted — Soludo
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra in his remarks said his administration will not take the sacrifice made by ex-servicemen to ensure the peace and unity of Nigeria for granted.
Speaking during the commemoration of the 2024 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day in Awka, the state capital, yesterday, Soludo expressed appreciation for the contributions of the armed forces to the peace and security of the state and Nigeria in general, saying that his government remained eternally grateful to them.
“We pray for long life for the veterans and those still in service. We remember all those who are serving in Anambra; those who have been serving since I assumed office; we fought together against those criminals in the bush. We will never take your sacrifices for granted; we shall support your widows and children,” he said.
Mutfwang commends military on fight against insecurity in Plateau
Commemorating the AFRMD, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has commended the military for their efforts toward tackling security challengess currently confronting the state.
Speaking at a reception organised to commemorate the 2023 AFRM, yesterday in Jos, Mutfwang who decried the recent killings and wanton destruction of property in the state, however, commended the military and other security agencies for their commitment in defending the state.
“We want to thank you all for this effort. Some have lost their lives, some badly wounded. We pray that families who lost their fathers and husbands find comfort in God,” he said.
Otti hails armed forces’ commitment to nation building
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, yesterday hailed the Nigerian Armed Forces for safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and securing the lives and property of the citizenry.
Speaking during the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the Aguiyi Ironsi Cenotaph, Umuahia, Otti said the celebration provides an opportunity for the nation to remember and honour thousands of brave individuals that offered their lives to preserve the continued existence of Nigeria.
“While it is true that the nation, especially now, is beset with so many difficult challenges, including domestic insecurity and a growing sense of uncertainty, nothing must take our attention away from the daily sacrifices made by the officers and men in uniform to limit the threats, preserve our national stability,” he said.
Niger to use ex-servicemen to fight security challenges
Speaking on the sideline of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Minna, Niger State, Governor Umaru Bago said he is considering engaging ex-servicemen to fight security challenges in the state.
Bago, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Yakubu Garba, said: “They can advise us on what to do especially as the state is being ravaged by insecurity; most of them have seen what we are seeing today. Because most of what is happening today is a re-emerging issue, they have seen war before and I believe they can help us with what we can do to be able to address insecurity in the state.”
Security should remain national priority — Adeleke
Commemorating the AFRM day, yesterday, in Osogbo, Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke said security of lives and property should be the major national priority of governments at all levels.
Adeleke reiterated that a secured nation would enjoy a safe environment for human and capital development.
“As the laying of wreaths is held nationally today, we have to remember the special place of Osun in national defence. We are, therefore, not just remembering national heroes, but many of our own sons and daughters who paid the supreme price and who are still in the trenches in defence of the nation,” he said.
A-Ibom donates N100m to widows of fallen heroes, N25m to legionnaires
Akwa Ibom State government, yesterday, reiterated that it would continue to celebrate the patriotism and deep sacrifices made by the Armed Forces and announced a donation of N100m to the windows of fallen heroes.
Governor Umo Eno of the state announced the donation when he joined his counterparts across the country to mark the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day/laying of wreath.
Eno, who stressed that the citizens owe the fallen heroes eternal debt of gratitude, not just words, the usual bromides, but concrete actions, also announced the sum of N25 million to the Nigerian Legion.
Ondo disburses N30m loans to widows of fallen heroes
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, yesterday, disbursed N30 million microcredit revolving loans to 66 widows of fallen heroes in the state.
Announcing this at the AFRMD celebration held at the Cenotaph, Alagbaka, Akure, Aiyedatiwa said the gesture was a honour to the fallen heroes.
According to him, the micro-credit loan scheme for widows of departed heroes is zero interest rate and a unique programme of the current administration.
Mohammed lauds military for sacrifice to unite nation
On his part, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State yesterday lauded the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifices and efforts to unite the nation and continue to fight against insecurity.
Mohammed, who gave the commendation at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Bauchi, said the military has successfully kept the nation as one entity.
“We have to appreciate the army for its subordination to civil rule and ensuring that democracy has come to stay in the country,” he said.
16th January, 2024.
VANGUARD.
E.C.
Tags: Aguiyi Ironsi Armed Forces Remembrance Day Bala Mohammed Gov. Ademola Adeleke Gov. Alex Otti GOV. Caleb Mutfwang GOV. Chukwuma Soludo Gov. Umaru Bago Gov. Umo Eno Lucky Aiyedatiwa President Bola Tinubu Sen. Godswill Akpabio Yakubu Garba
