Hammed Shittu in Ilorin and Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday called on Nigerians to join hands with the government to promote the welfare of ex-servicemen and families of fallen heroes (and heroines) to encourage current members of the Armed Forces to serve bravely.
AbdulRazaq made the call in Ilorin during the launching of 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Emblem Appeal Fund.
Meanwhile, his Osun State counterpart, Governor Ademola Adeleke, also called on public and private bodies to support Armed Forces veterans as a mark of recognition for their service to the country.
Adeleke, while speaking at the 2024 launching of the Armed Forces Remembrance emblem in Osogbo yesterday, noted that economic crises facing the country should not warrant the neglect of military veterans.
The Kwara State governor said: “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 would 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 the Nigeria Civil War.
“The fund will also cater for families of soldiers who lost their lives during peacekeeping operations in different part of the country, as well as the victims of the Hercules C130 plane crash of September 26, 1992.
“This fund will also provide assistance to those incapacitated as a result of these wars and incidents.”
AbdulRazaq encouraged Nigerians to always remember that the gallant heroes and heroines made the supreme sacrifice for peace and harmony in the country.
He noted further that: “The administration acknowledges the invaluable contributions of the ex-servicemen and women to the protection of the territorial integrity of our country and maintenance of peace, unity and progress of our great nation in particular and the world in general.”
On his own, Osun State Governor, Adeleke, said: “Service personnel, whether serving or retired, are a critical backbone of national existence. No sacrifice is nobler than one that involves loss of life or even permanent incapacitation. These brave men and women gave it all for our safety and protection.
“We, therefore, owe them eternal gratitude and appreciation. As a country, we need to reappraise our national policy on veteran care. As much as we take care of the living, we must accord detailed care to the wounded, and those with permanent physical disability. We must devise a special care programme for the veterans to appreciate their sacrifice for the country.
“In current world power diplomacy, a nation is as strong as its armed forces. An armed forces well cared for strengthens the capacity of the nation to protect and defend herself. Maintaining national territorial integrity is a sacred task undertaken by Nigerians of various backgrounds. Reciprocating their personal offering demands strong post-service care and attention.
“As much as we note the current national economic challenges, there are certain sectors that must not suffer neglect such as the military veterans. In other climes, they are rightly treated as the apple of the eye of the government. That sector is about life and death.”
AbdulRazaq further declared: “We, therefore, salute your courage, patriotism, and selfless sacrifices. Permit me to seize this opportunity to specially commend the effort 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 as well as for those of your dead colleagues is quite commendable.
“We will always within available resources support you in your concern for the fallen and incapacitated heroes and heroines.”
The governor made a donation to the legion, and urged other members of the public to do the same.
While, the Kwara State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Brigadier-General Abdulkadir Anigiobi, appealed to the government and well-meaning individuals to support the families of the fallen heroes in the state and those incapacitated during the wars, his Osun State counterpart, Oladipo Abioye Peter, commended Governor Adeleke for his ‘wonderful’ performance since assuming office, pledging the support of the legion to the state government.
