GOVERNORS yesterday showered encomiums on members of the Armed Forces, other security agencies, fallen heroes as well as those they left behind, in their efforts in sustaining the country’s peace and unity.
They called on Nigerians imbibe their sacrificial and selfless efforts.
The governors, who spoke at events marking the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, urged the citizens to show love and care to ex-servicemen and the families of those who lost their lives while defending the country.
They also urged Nigerians to support officers and men of the armed forces fighting insurgency in the North and other parts of the country.
Ambode seeks support for anti-terror war
Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, after the laying of wreath and release of pigeons in commemoration of celebration at Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos, urged the citizens to support officers and men of the armed forces fighting the war against insurgency in the North and other threats against national territorial integrity.
He said their bravery and patriotism must never be in vain.
The governor called for prayers for military personnel in the battle-fronts to win the war and keep the country as one indivisible entity.
Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, said January 15 has remained sacrosanct in the political history of the country as it was a time to reflect on the sad memories of the civil war and also to appreciate the gallant warriors for their heroic exploits to preserve the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“This is also a platform to commend the officers and men of the armed forces, who are engaged in one military exercise or the other to combat insurgency and other threats to our territorial integrity. We remain grateful to you for your bravery and patriotism to put your lives on the line for our country.
“I call on every Nigerian to rise up to the occasion and support our men and women in theatres of war with prayers so that they would achieve resounding victory over those who threaten our peace and national sovereignty,” the governor said.
Congratulating the legionnaires and families of late ex-service men for the success of this year’s Armed Forces remembrance activities, Ambode assured that his administration remains committed to their welfare and well-being.
Read also: Buhari, Osinbajo, others lay wreaths for heroes
He also called on Lagosians and Nigerians to show love and care to the families and the loved ones of those who lost their lives while defending the country, which according to him, would further reassure them that their loved ones had not died in vain.
The deputy governor took on the first duty of inspecting the guard of honour mounted by the combined detachments of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the Nigerian Legion immediately she arrived at the venue of the ceremony.
After the wreath-laying ceremony, several gun salutes were fired and the deputy governor led others to the pigeon case, where she released the birds to signify peace.
Other notable personalities, who performed the laying of wreaths, include Secretary to the State Government Mr Tunji Bello, representatives of the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly; Chief Judge of Lagos State; Oba of Lagos; Service Commanders of military and para-military formations, a representative of the widows of the fallen heroes, among others.
Fayemi praises military
Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi hailed the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their efforts in sustaining the peace and unity of the country.
Fayemi called on Nigerians to take a cue from their sacrificial and selfless efforts.
He said Nigeria would keep appreciating the sacrifices of officers and men who laid down their lives to ensure that their countrymen enjoy peace.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, spoke at Fajuyi Park, Ado Ekiti.
The colourful parade was marked with special salute to the unknown soldier and 21-gun salute to the fallen heroes.
According to him, the fallen heroes had demonstrated their love and honour for the country by laying down their lives.
Others who laid wreaths at cenotaph of the unknown soldier, were Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Regiment, Akure Brig.-Gen. James Ataguba, who was represented by Col. I.I. Akpan; Commissioner of Police Amba Asuquo; Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Solomon Iyamu and Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps Ismaila Kugu.
Akeredolu gives N3m
to widows of late
soldiers
Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, in commemoration of the day, distributed micro-credit loans to widows of soldiers from the 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Cantonment, Akure, who lost their lives in the war against Boko Haram insurgents.
The governor also doled out a cash gift of N100,000 to each of the 30 widows of the fallen heroes from the cantonment, with a promise that his administration would keep putting smiles on the faces of the dependants left behind.
Akeredolu, who gave the cheques to the beneficiaries at the parade and wreath-laying ceremony held at the state cenotaph, Akure, the state capital, said the tokens were to cushion the impact of the unfortunate losses.
He added that no amount of money could replace the lives of the dead soldiers, calling on individuals and corporate organisations to assist in bringing smiles to the faces of the widows and other loved ones.
The governor also donated an operational vehicle to the Nigerian Legion in the state, in fulfilment of his promise.
N30m business grants for veterans wives
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike yesterday announced a N30 million business grants to the widows of fallen heroes and war veterans in the state.
Speaking at the courtyard of the Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike said the grant would help the women expand their businesses and cater for their families.
The governor also announced a donation of N20 million to the state branch of the Nigerian Legion. He noted that the two donations would be effective after the legion make peace among their members.
The event was held at the Isaac Boro Park, where Wike inspected a guard of honour and released pigeons of peace.
The governor, top officials and service commanders laid wreaths at the tomb of the unknown soldier, followed by a 21-gun salute for the fallen heroes.
He said Nigeria deserves the total defeat of Boko Haram instead of the technical defeat being paraded by the Federal Government.
Ortom, Tor Tiv officers lay wreaths
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, Tor Tiv V Prof. James Ayatse and senior military officers yesterday laid wreaths in honour of Nigeria’s fallen heroes.
The police and representative of the Nigerian Legion also laid wreaths at the ceremony.
Twenty-one gun salutes were shot in honour of the late soldiers.
Obiano urges more
Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano yesterday told the military not to be deterred despite the challenges they facing.
Rather, he admonished them to do more for the country.
He spoke at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, Anambra State to mark the Armed Forces remembrance day in the state.
The ceremony was attended by Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rita Maduagwu, Chief Judge Justice Peter Umeadi, service chiefs and others.
Acting Chairman of the Nigerian Legion Major Ben Anigbogu hailed Obiano for carrying them along and remembering them each year.
He, however, said they lacked accommodation, official vehicle among others, while soliciting for help from the state government
Okorocha to Nigerians: honour fallen heroes with credible polls
Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha enjoined Nigerians to ensure that the 2019 elections are hitch-free in honour of the fallen heroes.
The governor also called on those contesting the election to shun violence whether they “win or lose since they are all Nigerians, who want to make the nation great”.
Okorocha, who spoke after laying wreath at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the Heroes’ Square, said: “Great nations are built by heroes, especially men and women who chose the way of sacrifice to their nation and not built by wealthy men.
“We are here to salute courage and patriotic devotion. We are here to celebrate heroes who decided to give up their lives that their nation might be honoured. We are here to encourage heroism in our nation. Today, we are gathered not because these soldiers of gallant men and women had fallen, not because they joined the army or armed forces, we are here gathered because at the end of their sojourn on earth, they became heroes worthy of celebration. They gave up their lives to protect the integrity and peace of our nation…
“To the widows and widowers of these great men and women, may I use this opportunity to encourage our nation that as we celebrate our heroes who are no more, may we equally find a space to celebrate these widows because the pains of death is not necessary. We must not only celebrate our heroes gone, but we must remember their loved ones and show them as much love as we can. This is what we owe to our fallen heroes.”
Sani-Bello to support
families of fallen heroes
Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello pledged to support the families of officers and men of the Army, who were killed in active service to the nation.
The governor stated this at the 2019 Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration and wreath-laying ceremony in Minna, the state capital.
He said his government would put up mechanism to enable the families, especially the wives and children to become independent and self-reliant through empowerments.
