Prof Chukwuma Soludo holding the wreath during the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Awka Anambra State on Monday
Pledges To End Banditry, Terrorism
As Nigeria commemorates 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) governors have pledged better deal for ex-service men and families of fallen heroes.
The 15th of January annually was designated as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day to honour the fallen heroes and members of Armed Forces for their sacrifices to the nation.
Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo promised that his administration would not take the sacrifices made by ex-servicemen for lasting peace and unity of Nigeria for granted.
Speaking at Awka, the State capital on Monday, he noted that with the liberation of eight Local Government Areas and sacking of more than 100 criminal gang camps, Anambra is one of the safest states in Nigeria.
He said that Anambra had an unprecedented mass return of people during the last Christmas celebration, describing it as an eloquent testimony to the success achieved by his administration, with the active collaboration of security agencies.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed servicemen and assured that he would continue to support their families.
Recalling the unfortunate civil war of 1967 to 1970, Soludo prayed that Nigeria would never walk that path again but remain one united, strong and greatest Black nation.
He informed that security is everybody’s business, saying that everyone has a role to play by committing to responsible citizenship.
The governor enjoined the security agencies to be professional in discharging their duties, while appealing to the residents to cooperate with security personnel who had put their lives on the line for their safety.
“Everyone has a role to play; there is nothing like unknown gunmen; they are known criminals who have families.
“Give us information so that our security agencies can take them out.
“We don’t have a society where people will choose which law to obey; it will lead to a state of anarchy.
“Show some empathy to security personnel on the road; they are not your enemies; they are there from morning till night for your sake,” he said.
Highlights of the event was the traditional laying of wreaths by the governor, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Judge and Heads of security agencies in the state.
It also featured gun salute and release of pigeons as a symbol of peace, while Mrs Bestie Ozumba laid wreath on behalf of the widows of the fallen heroes.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, flanked by others at the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Parade in Lagos
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended the gallantry of serving Nigerian military officers and fallen heroes for protecting the nation.
At the AFRD Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony at The Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square, Sanwo-Olu said that the ceremony was a yearly routine to recognise and honour fallen heroes and members of Armed Forces.
He assured that his administration would continue to appreciate and encourage the Armed Forces.
"The occasion has become a National Day to pray for the departed souls, the incapacitated security personnel and serving military officers, their families and Nigeria.
”It is a day to continue to remember them, to remember their families and the loved ones that they left behind. We will continue to pray for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes," he added.
Aside the 21 gun salutes and release of white pigeons, prayers were offered for the soldiers, as well as members of the Armed Forces, their families, Lagos State Government and Nigeria.
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde promised to support the families of fallen heroes.
At the Remembrance Arcade, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, he stated that his administration would ensure that families of fallen heroes lived a bearable life.
He appreciated the service commanders and the entire security agencies operating in the state for their dedication in securing the state.
Makinde pleaded with Oyo residents to always cooperate with the security operatives by providing useful information when necessary.
The Chairman of Nigerian Legion, Oyo State Command, Julius Ogunkojo harped on the need to strengthen the morale of soldiers through payment of necessary benefits and living wages.
Ogunkojo called on government and Nigerians to assist the ex-servicemen by improving their living standard.
He noted that the number of personnel serving in the armed forces is low when compared to developed countries like USA and China.
The chairman begged the Federal Government to recruit more personnel to tackle the security challenges facing the nation.
But the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani revealed that Nigerian Governors are willing to cooperate with the military towards ending the war against banditry, terrorism and other crimes across the country.
At the wreath laying ceremony in Kaduna, the governor lamented that the fight against banditry and terrorism had in the recent weeks suffered setbacks in the state and parts of Abuja.
He was optimistic that the Armed Forces would work assiduously to end banditry and terrorism in the country.
Sani said that Nigeria would never forget fallen heroes who fought and died in defence of the country’s territorial integrity.
”This event offers us the opportunity to honour our veterans. It also gives us the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices, bravery and commitment of our fallen heroes who lost their lives in the defence of our territory’s integrity.
“We also have to appreciate our armed forces generally, the Army, Air Force and Navy, as well as other security agencies in Nigeria for their efforts in trying to ensure that we have peace in our country.
“Of course, the fight against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria is something that is on course.
“In the recent weeks, we had some setbacks, but I have no doubt in my mind (that insurgency will end) because I have confidence in our armed forces.
”Mr President has also made it clear that we have to come up with a time frame on when this battle against banditry and terrorism will end," he said.
The governor promised to cooperate with the armed forces to phase out the war against banditry and terrorism.
The event climaxed with the laying of wreaths by senior government and military officials as well as 21 gun salutes in honour of the fallen heroes.
Sani also visited injured soldiers at the Nigerian Air Force Hospital, Kaduna and 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, where he donated medical equipment and other items like wheelchairs, blankets and other medical supplies to the hospitals.
Comments
Post a Comment