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Tag: Fallen heroes

  • Governors increase support for families of fallen heroes

    Governors increase support for families of fallen heroes

    Governors across several states yesterday reaffirmed their commitment to the welfare of families of fallen military personnel.

    Some of them announced concrete measures to support dependents of officers who paid the supreme price in defence of Nigeria.

    The governors include Seyi Makinde(Oyo), Dapo Abiodun(Ogun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa(Ondo), Hope Uzodimma(Imo), Peter Mbah(Enugu), Seminalayi Fubara(Rivers), Peter Mbah(Enugu), Alex Otti(Abia), Sheriff Oberevwori (Delta), Chukwuma Soludo(Anambra) and  Caleb Mutfwang(Plateau)

    Ogun

    At the special parade and wreath-laying held at the Arcade Ground in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor  Abiodun reiterated his administration’s resolve to improve the welfare of families of deceased soldiers and veterans of the Nigerian Army.

     He said fallen heroes and war veterans deserved lasting honour and recognition, stressing that the peace and unity enjoyed in the country were products of their patriotism and sacrifice.

    The governor noted that despite prevailing security challenges, the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day remains a solemn opportunity for government and citizens to honour heroes past and reassure the living of continued support.

    “I commend the gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army. Your professionalism, discipline and commitment to duty continue to underpin the peace and stability we enjoy in Ogun State and across the country. We do not take your sacrifices for granted,” Abiodun said.

    While praying for the repose of the souls of fallen officers and soldiers, he assured that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of their families, as well as extend support to veterans in recognition of their selfless service to the nation.

    Oyo

    Governor  Makinde assured residents that his administration will make further efforts to strengthen the security architecture of the state so as to ensure that every space is secure.

    At  the grand finale  at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan,

    Makinde expressed appreciation to the officers and men of the Armed Forces for securing the state.  Urging t  them not to relent in their efforts, the governor hinted that plans were afoot to set up a welfare scheme for the families of the five forest guards killed recently at the Oloka Village axis of the old Oyo National Park in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

    He also assured that his administration would continue to remember and support maimed soldiers, widows, orphans and other dependents of the fallen heroes, because they paid the ultimate price to keep the country safe and secure.

     Ondo

    At the  Government Cenotaph, Alagbaka in  Akure,  Governor   Aiyedatiwa approved the sum of N50 million for   120 widows and dependents of fallen heroes in the state.

    The governor said the fund is an interest-free microcredit loan designed to empower widows of fallen heroes economically.

    He said that AFCRD represented the highest form of respect for those who paid the ultimate price in the defence of the nation, while also honouring living veterans and serving military personnel committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

    Rivers

     State  Siminalayi Fubara ordered the immediate employment of the children of fallen servicemen in the state.

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    Fubara said the decision reflected his administration’s firm commitment to supporting the Armed Forces, other security agencies and the families of officers who lost their lives defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.

    He also reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to continue working closely with military formations in Rivers State through logistical and welfare support to enhance their effectiveness.

    According to the governor, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Benibo Anabraba, has been given a clear mandate to ensure the immediate implementation of the employment directive for eligible beneficiaries.

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    “I want to mention here that in line with our support, the secretary to the state government has been given a marching order to ensure that the employment promised by the state government for the children of our veterans would be immediately attended to,” Fubara said.

    He explained that the move was designed to provide direct socio-economic relief to families of deceased servicemen, while also improving the welfare of members of the Nigerian Legion and their dependents.

    Imo

    In Owerri,  Governor   Uzodimma announced a N600 million support package for families of security personnel who lost their lives in active service.

    At the event, commanders of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services and other security agencies were presented with cheques to be distributed to families of personnel who died recently in active service, as well as those who sustained injuries in the line of duty.

    Uzodimma paid glowing tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, noting that their sacrifices continue to guarantee the unity, peace and survival of Nigeria.

    He described the occasion as one of deep reflection and national gratitude, stressing that Nigerians owe an immeasurable debt to both the living and fallen heroes of the Armed Forces.

    “As we enter another day in the year, we pause to acknowledge a profound debt that can never be fully repaid. We gather to pay tribute to the men and women of our Armed Forces, both living and dead, whose patriotism and sacrifice have secured our nation against external aggression and internal revolt,”   said the governor.

    Anambra

    During the ceremony in Awka, Governor   Soludo applauded President   Tinubu for his renewed vigour in tackling terrorism and other forms of insecurity across the country.

    He expressed confidence that the lingering terrorism in the country would soon be conquered with increased commitment of the Federal Government.

    Soludo said:   “I want to pay special tribute to the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, President Bola Tinubu, for the seriousness with which he has taken on the issue of insecurity.

    “It’s important to remind ourselves as a nation how we got to where we are, and how long it has taken us to get to where we are. For almost two decades now, this problem has festered and is almost becoming the new normal.

    “But with the renewed vigour we’ve seen and collaboration we’ve seen both from members of armed forces, but from external agencies, we’re confident that this terror will finally be dealt with and decisively conquered. Mr President, kudos to the great work and keep it up.”

    The governor, however, expressed worry over the lack of interest of people of the state and Southeast in general towards enlisting in the Nigerian military and Police, regretting that such a disposition would only be counter-productive in the long run.

    He urged youths in the state to enlist in the armed forces of Nigeria, just as he called on those still in the bushes and forests in the guise of liberators to come out and embrace peace.

    Abia

      Governor  Otti praised members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their dedication to restoring and sustaining peace and stability across Nigeria, particularly in Abia State.

    He attributed the improved security situation in Abia State to sustained collaboration between the state government and security agencies, noting that the progress recorded would not have been possible without the commitment and sacrifices of security personnel deployed across the state.

    The governor said: “In Abia, we are deeply grateful to members of the Armed Forces for their unwavering commitment to peace and security in our communities.

    “Abia has moved from the anxiety of previous years to a new identity as one of the safest places to live in and travel to.

    “This achievement is a direct result of the dedication of our partners in the various security establishments.”

    Enugu 

    Also,  Governor Mbah reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government to support the  Armed Forces, fallen heroes, and their families.

    Mbah also stressed the need to learn from the scars of division and internal conflicts inherent in the nation’s history to build a more united and secure society, saying that “peace and safety must be protected by restraint, dialogue, and shared responsibility.”

    He described  January 15 of every year as a solemn day when Nigerians must pause, reflect deeply, and acknowledge the price paid by the nation’s heroes so that other citizens may live in safety.

    “As a state government, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces and their families. This support goes beyond ceremony. It is reflected in practical care, in advocacy, and in partnership with the Federal Government to ensure that those who serve, and those who have served, are treated with respect and care,’’ the governor said.

    Oborevwori, service commanders, others honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes

    Delta

    At the laying of wreaths at the ceremonial tomb of the unknown soldier at the Cenotaph in Asaba, Governor Oberevwori said AFCRD symbolises peace, hope, and renewal of hope for a safer Nigeria.

    He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the noble ideals for which the nation’s heroes fought and fell.

    The ceremony was attended by   Deputy Governr Monday Onyeme; Speaker of the state   House of Assembly,   Emomotimi Guwor; Chief Judge of the state, Justice Tessy Diai;  Service Commanders of the Armed Forces and the Commissioner of Police in the state.

    Plateau

    The Plateau State Government joined the rest of the nation to commemorate the day.

    The ceremony commenced with interdenominational prayers offered for the repose of the souls of fallen heroes and for continued peace and stability in the country.

    This was followed by the laying of wreaths and a moment of silence in honour of the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation.

    Governor Caleb Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of ex-servicemen, legionnaires, and the immediate families of fallen officers.

    He described the sacrifices of the Armed Forces as invaluable, noting that their courage and patriotism remain the foundation upon which the nation’s peace and freedom stand.

    Represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Josephine Piyo, Mutfwang emphasised that the Plateau State Government would continue to partner with security agencies to promote peace and unity, while ensuring that the sacrifices of fallen heroes are never forgotten.

  • Why Nigerians must support fallen heroes’ families, by Shettima

    Why Nigerians must support fallen heroes’ families, by Shettima

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has restated the need for all Nigerians, including government at all levels, to support the families of the country’s fallen heroes.

    He said the fallen heroes paid the supreme price while fighting to preserve the peace the country currently enjoys and in other parts of the world.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by his spokesman Stanley Nkwocha said the Vice President also restated the commitment of the Bola Tinubu administration to the welfare of the Armed Forces.

    Shettima said the administration’s commitment to the welfare of the fallen heroes was in acknowledging the sacrifices they made for national unity and sustenance of global peace.

    The Vice President, who spoke on Tuesday night after he was decorated with the emblem of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, recalled the heroics of Nigerian service personnel in conflict theatres at home, across Africa and beyond.

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    He said: “We really need to identify with the families of our fallen heroes – those who made the supreme sacrifice in the enthronement of peace in our country and our world in general, from Congo to Liberia, Sierra Leone and beyond.

    “My heart goes out to the families of those who paid the supreme price. We have the moral burden to support them.”

    The National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin, said the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration is a solemn occasion dedicated to remembering the sacrifices of fallen heroes of the Armed Forces.

    He urged fellow Nigerians to always remember the families of the fallen heroes, especially by contributing resources through the Nigerian Legion for the welfare of their loved ones.

  • ‘N18b assurance policy for fallen heroes commendable’

    ‘N18b assurance policy for fallen heroes commendable’

    President Bola Tinubu has been praised for approving N18 billion assurance policy for the families of the country’s fallen heroes.

    Solape Ademulegun-Agbi, in a statement, described the gesture as a soothing balm, saying it is a proof they have not been forgotten. He urged the policy makers to remember heroes past who died in active service, decades ago and not limit it to Northeast Boko Haram fallen heroes.

    The statement reads: “Children and dependants of heroes of the 1966 coup and counter coup should not be forgotten, as they were denied full parental care from very tender ages.

    “I commend President Bola Tinubu for approving N18 billion as Assurance Policy for the families of our fallen heroes. It is quite reassuring that they have a place in the hearts of compatriots. Many of this category of Nigerians, especially children, have gone through harrowing experiences. It is my belief that this policy will look beyond the nascent Northeast (Boko Haram) fallen Heroes.

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    “I urge those responsible for the management of this policy to remember heroes past who died in active service, decades ago. Children and dependants of heroes of the 1966 coup and counter coup should not be forgotten as they were denied full parental care from very tender ages.

    “The Ademuleguns, for instance, lost their parents in the January 15, 1966 coup. The last two children were just 4 and 6 years old, at the time. Brig. Samuel Ademulegun (N3) was Commander, 1 Brigade, Kaduna. He served Nigeria with passion and, in 1964, led troops to Tanzania to quell a mutiny. That was after duty with United Nations Peace Keeping Forces in the Congo.

    “His wife, Mrs. Latifat Ademulegun, a nurse, died with him. This tragedy did not deter their first son from joining the Nigerian Air Force. Late Frank Ademulegun (NAF 294), retired as a Group Captain.

    “Mention must be made of Brig. Zakari Maimalari, Cols Kuru Mohammed, Raph Shodeinde, Lt. Cols Yakubu Pam, Arthur Unegbe, Abogo Largema who lost their lives in the first coup and many others, including Lt. Col Adekunle Fajuyi who died in the second coup of 1966.”

  • Five killed in Air Force helicopter crash

    The Nigerian Air Force on Thursday announced the death of five crew members on board the Mi-35M Helicopter, which crashed in combat while providing air support for ground troops in Damasak, Borno state.

    The Air Force Spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar was in Maiduguri, Borno state on Thursday to condole with families of the fallen heroes on behalf of the nation’s military personnel.

    He added the CAS also conveyed the condolence of President Muhammadu Buhari to the families of the gallant heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.

    Air Commodore Daramola said: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the death of the 5 crew members who were on board the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Mi-35M Helicopter which crashed in combat yesterday, 2 January 2019, while providing close air support to troops of 145 Battalion, Damasak in Borno State.

    “The deceased personnel, whose remains have been recovered to Maiduguri, are:

    1. Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob – Pilot in Command.
    2. Flight Lieutenant Kaltho Paul Kilyofas – Co-Pilot.
    3. Sergeant Auwal Ibrahim  – Flight Technician.
    4. Lance Corporal Adamu Nura – Gunner.
    5. Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael – Gunner.

    “These gallant fallen heroes made the supreme sacrifice in the service of our Fatherland, for which the NAF, and indeed the entire Nation, owes them an unending debt of gratitude.

    “The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on behalf all officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the NAF, commiserates with the families of the 5 fallen heroes and prays that the Almighty grants their souls peaceful repose.

    “The CAS was in Maiduguri today, 3 January 2019, to convey the condolences of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammed Buhari, to personnel of the Air Task Force Operation LAFIYA DOLE over the unfortunate loss. While in Maiduguri, the CAS also received a condolence visit from the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai.

    “The NAF appreciates the overwhelming support shown by the general public to the Service over the sad incident.

    “We continue to solicit your understanding and support as we daily strive to ensure the security of Nigeria and Nigerians.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Buhari, Osinbajo, others lay wreaths for fallen heroes

    Buhari, Osinbajo, others lay wreaths for fallen heroes

    President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday led other top government officials and Service chiefs to lay wreaths in honour of soldiers who died in service in Nigeria and at international assignments.

    The ceremony was to mark the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

    January 15th every year is also dedicated to remembering and appreciating surviving Nigerian military men who have retired from active service.

    It was the third time President Buhari as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces was laying the wreath in a democratic setting.

    Buhari was clad in white ‘Babanriga’, just like Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara,

    The wreaths-laying ceremony at the National Arcade in the Three Arms Zone in Abuja came after over a month that the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem and Appeal Fund was launched by the President.

    The brief ceremony started around 10.00 a.m. when President Buhari arrived the National Arcade and inspected the guard of honour.

    Christian and Muslim prayers were offered for the departed souls and the nation.

    One minute silence was observed in honour of the departed souls and there was gun salute  during the wreath-laying ceremony.

    Vice President Osinbajo, Saraki, Dogara, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen, Minister of Defence, Dan Ali Mansur, were among top government officials who also laid wreaths.

    Others that laid wreaths include Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mohammed Bello, Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai and other service chiefs, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris.

    President Buhari also signed the register and led the dignitaries to release white pigeons at the no speech making ceremony.

    Top government officials, including cabinet members, attended the ceremony

  • ‘We won’t forget fallen heroes’

    ‘We won’t forget fallen heroes’

    •President pledges
    N10m at Armed Forces emblem’s launch

    THE sacrifices of the country’s fallen heroes, heroines and veterans who rose up to the security challenges facing the nation will not go un-noticed, President Muhammadu Buhari promised yesterday.

    He gave the assurance while launching the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration is observed annually on January 15 to commemorate the selfless service of Nigerian troops in military campaigns and wars.

    The theme of this year’s celebration is: ”Motivating  the Nigerian Armed Forces for Effective Service Delivery”.

    Buhari at the event announced a donation of N10 million.

    He said: “We are gathered here today to observe a worthy tradition of acknowledging and appreciating the gallantry and accomplishments of our veterans in the First and Second World Wars, Peace Support Operations  around the world and internal security operations, particularly the ongoing campaign against terrorism in our country.

    “I am, therefore, proud to address this solemn gathering in honour of our distinguished veterans, who devoted their lives to the service of our country and the world at large.

    “Today’s occasion reminds us of the need to appreciate the noble contributions of our fallen heroes, who paid the supreme sacrifice to maintain national and international peace and security.

    “The sacrifices of our fallen heroes, heroines, and veterans who rose up to the security challenges cannot go un-noticed.”

    He called on well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to lend their support to the emblem initiative.

    Defence Minister Muhammad Dan-Ali described the event as a unique one coming at a time when the nation was committing much to anti-terrorism war.

    The Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Col. Micah Gayya (rtd) later decorated Buhari; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; former Head of the Interim National Government Chief Ernest Shonekan; Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara and Chief Justice of Nigeria Mahmud Mohammed with the redesigned emblems.

    He also decorated the Minister of Defence, the service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase.

    Those who also attended the launch included members of the National Assembly, members of diplomatic corps, captains of industries and top government officials.

  • Jonathan, others honour fallen heroes

    Jonathan, others honour fallen heroes

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday in Abuja led leaders of the legislative and Judiciary arms of government, the military and para-military to perform the 2013 Armed Forces Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the ceremony started at about 10 a.m. with the arrival of the President, who is the Grand Patron of the Nigerian Legion, at the National Arcade Three Arms Zone.

    Jonathan took the salute shortly on arrival, after which he inspected a parade in four colours – the National and the three regimental colours of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.

    Prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes and for peace, security and unity of the nation in both the Christians and Islamic way.

    Shortly after the prayers, Jonathan laid a wreath at the Cenotaph; he was followed by Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal.

    Others who also laid wreaths were, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar; Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, and the FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed.

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim; the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika; the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Alex Badeh also took their turns in laying the wreath.

    The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar; the Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corp and Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mrs. Olumba Kombe as well as the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Col. Micah Gayya (rtd) also laid wreaths.

    NAN reports that after the wreaths laying ceremony and 21 gun salute, the President released some pigeons to signify “unfettered freedom, unity, peace and harmony for the country.’’

    In attendance at the ceremony were the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, ministers, Presidential aides and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

    Also in attendance were some members of the armed forces, and their wives, members of the Nigerian Legion and some of the widows of the departed heroes.

    NAN recalls that in Nigeria, the Armed Forces Day, also known as Remembrance Day, is celebrated on January 15.