Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Govs seek support for fallen heroes’ families

Gombe State Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, at the event marking the climax of the 2019/2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Emblem Appeal Fund, said his administration will continue to assist security agencies in maintaining law and order in the state and called on the citizenry to continue to show solidarity and support to the living and fallen heroes as well as their families.

He praised the gallantry of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the fight against insurgency in the North-East and other criminal activities and protecting the territorial integrity of the country.

Its neighbour, Bauchi State, has declared 15th January of every year for special prayers and annual memorial lectures in honour of Nigeria’s late Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar

Tafawa Balewa.

Governor Bala Muhammed, who disclosed this at the maiden edition of the annual memorial lecture and prayer in honour of the late prime minister held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Tomb in Bauchi, said the lecture and prayer are to orient citizens of the state on the lifestyle of the late prime minister in order to encourage the younger generation to emulate him.

The late Tafawa Balewa was killed in the country’s first military coup on January 15, 1966 which ignited the civil war that cost the lives of millions of Nigerian soldiers being remembered every year for their patriotism and gallantry to keep the country united.

Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal urged the National Assembly to accelerate the enactment of laws to improve the welfare of late and retired soldiers’ families.

“They deserve to be honoured by the society through sustaining their needs and catering for their families on health, education, housing, and others.

“Such gesture would motivate the present servicemen while the retired and families of the deceased would have a sense of belonging for the recognition of their loved ones’ sacrifices to the nation,’’ he pointed out.

Rivers State Nyesom Wike announced that the state government has committed the sum of N100 million for a scholarship programme dedicated to the children of the fallen heroes.

He also directed the Secretary to the State Government to work out modalities for the state government to support the Nigerian Legion and soldiers of Rivers State origin who paid the ultimate price.

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa hailed the armed forces contributions to national development and assured that the state government remains committed to improving the well-being of soldiers and families of those that died in the service of the country.

Also, members of the Nigerian Legion in the state pleaded with the federal government to always ensure prompt payment of their pensions to enhance the welfare of those who fought and laid down their lives for the peace of the nation.

They also called on the Bayelsa State government to improve on the well-being of legionnaires who have contributed their quota to the nation building.

He said improving the welfare of ex-servicemen was necessary in the efforts to encourage the Armed Forces in peacekeeping across states of the federation.

The Plateau State, Governor Simon Bako Lalong called on people to live peacefully with one another to ease the stress and difficulties for Nigerian soldiers who are always struggling to protect lives and properties in the country.

He said, “the only time we can help the army is when we learn to live in peace. If we want to continue to remember the fallen heroes, we have to live in peace. We can’t be creating problems and be asking soldiers to come to our rescue.

Lalong appreciated the efforts of Nigerian soldiers in what they were doing for the country, praying God to comfort the families of soldiers who lost their lives protecting the country.

Members of the Nigerian Legion in Cross River State lamented that they have been afflicted by assorted ailments, including hunger, which has led to deaths of many of their members.

Speaking on their behalf during the celebration of the 2020 edition of the Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Laying of Wreath at the Cenotaph in Calabar, chairman of the Nigerian Legion in the state, Comrade Michael Ekok, said they need support from governments and groups to keep them going.

The state deputy governor, Prof Ivara Esu, who represented Gov Ben Ayade, all service commanders, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Jonas Williams, chief judge of the state, Head of Diplomatic Corps, chairman of the state traditional rulers council were among those that laid wreaths at the tomb of the unknown soldier.