Governor Makinde of Oyo State, Governor Abiodun of Ogun State, Governor Benedict Ayade of Cross River State and Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State have urged Nigerians to always show love and appreciation to those “who laid down their lives for the country.”
In a separate messages, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State has promised to keep supporting and working closely with members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the state.
Makinde made this known on Sunday at the grand finale of the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held at Agodi Arcade, Government House, Ibadan.
The governor who equally performed the traditional wreath-laying during the celebration also admonished the security agencies in the country to remain professional and neutral in the coming elections, saying that politics will go but the country will remain.
Makinde however commended the officers and men of the Armed Forces for their efforts in battling insecurity in the North-East and South-East as well as in Oyo State, urging them to continue to ensure that peace reigns in the state and the country at large
The chairman, Nigerian Legion, Oyo State Command, Evangelist Julius Ogunkojo, also thanked the Oyo State Government for improving the welfare of the dependents of the fallen heroes in the state.
He appealed to the government to continue to assist the veterans and dependents of the fallen heroes so as to make life more meaningful for their them.
Ogunkojo added that any donation by the state government to them, will be distributed evenly and equally in the 33 local government areas of the state.
The ceremony witnessed laying of wreaths by Governor Makinde; his wife, Engr. (Mrs) Tamunominini Makinde; the General Officer Commanding, 2 Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Aminu Chinade and widows of the departed heroes, among other dignitaries.
Other dignitaries at the event include the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Chief Judge-designate of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabode Yerima; Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun; Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Kafilat Olayiwola and other top government officials.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Mr. Adebowale Williams and other stakeholders from the security sector were also in attendance.
In Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has told Nigerians to take good care of the families of fallen heroes, asking them to always show love and appreciation to those “who laid down their lives for the country.”
Abiodun made the call on Sunday during the celebration of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the Arcade ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The governor, alongside heads of security agencies in the state, traditional rulers and other top government functionaries, laid wreaths in honour of the fallen heroes.
Addressing newsmen, Abiodun charged Nigerians to inculcate a daily habit of showing love and appreciation to families of the fallen heroes, saying, “without them the country would not have enjoyed peace, order and socio-economic development.”
According to him, Nigerians must continue to remember the widows, the widowers and the orphans left behind by the late Nigerian heroes, asking that their families be fended for.
On his part, Governor Benedict Ayade of Cross River State has called on the authorities to always remember, and give care and attention to Nigerian soldiers who fought many wars, including the Nigerian Civil War between 1966 and 1970 and are still alive.
He said many of them are now aged and are languishing in health or economic conditions without adequate care and support.
He spoke at today’s 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held at the Millennium Park Cenotaph Calabar, the state capital.
The governor called on governments at all levels to reflect on ex-servicemen’s sacrifices for the country.
According to Ayade, “today’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day brings to mind the pains, agony and melancholy of our fallen heroes.”
He paid glowing tribute to the fallen heroes, saying the oneness of Nigeria today would not have been possible but for the great heroes.
The event was attended by top government functionaries, including the Deputy Governor, Professor Evara Esu, service commanders and traditional rulers who also laid wreaths at the tomb of the unknown soldier.
In Osun State, Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has called for better welfare packages for serving military personnel and veterans.
He said neglecting the welfare of service personnel is a disservice to effective national defense.
He spoke while laying the wreaths to commemorate the 2023 edition of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held today at Osogbo, the state capital.
The governor said the laying of wreath is an opportunity “to recap our commitment to men and women of the armed forces, living and dead.”
He said the laying of wreath should not be seen as a mere jamboree. “This is not a fun-seeking exercise.
In addition, the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has urged Nigerians to live in humility, love, peace and harmony with one another as he laid commemorative wreaths at the armed forces Remembrance Day celebration in Ado Ekiti on Sunday.
Speaking after the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, venue of the 2023 Grand Finale of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, Governor Oyebanji said Nigeria can only be at peace when the citizens live in unity and harmony.
The Governor who noted that the sacrifice made by the fallen heroes in working for the unity of the country urged the citizens to ensure the sustainability of peace, unity and stability in the country by showing understanding for one another.
Oyebanji implored Nigerians to shun hostility, stressing that when there is no fighting, there will be no war.
In his remarks, Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Ekiti State Chapter, Colonel Atoki Abdulrasaq appreciated God for this year celebration and pray that God will grant the ex-service men long life and prosperity
Atoki then urged government to give them more recognition and consider them in the security aspect of the country stressing that with their experience they can help other security outfits in getting rid of criminals in the country.