Biodun Esan, Ilorin
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has commended the Armed Forces for the services being rendered in maintaining peace and keeping the territorial integrity of the country.
The governor, who said this on Sunday in Ilorin at the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day added that such services cannot be quantified, and called on citizens to continue to support them to succeed.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an annual event celebrated on January 15 globally to annually honour fallen heroes.
He said it was necessary as a country to continue to immortalise the fallen heroes for being patriotic and for the sacrifices they render to guarantee the safety and survival of mankind.
“It is a solemn day to remember our fallen heroes and to remember the service they rendered to the nation, and to urge us as a nation to support our security agencies for the work they do,” he told newsmen on the sideline of the event.
The programme was organised by the state branch of the Nigerian Legion, under the chairmanship of retired Brigadier Gen. Abdulkadir Anigiobi.
AbdulRazaq, who earlier inspected the guards of honour and laid his wreath among other security echelons and personalities, expressed confidence that Nigeria is indivisible despite all security challenges.
He also said robust security controls are being worked upon by President Muhammadu Buhari to create a peaceful environment for the conduct of general elections in February.
“The main message surrounding the election is for us to have a robust security architecture and peaceful environment to conduct the election.
“The president has assured the security agencies to get the necessary support from the government,” he said.
The brief ceremony had in attendance cabinet members and other government officials; security chiefs, academics and other dignitaries, including deputy Governor Kayode Alabi and deputy Speaker Kwara State House of Assembly Hon. Raphael Adetiba.
Others were the Acting Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Abiodun Ayodele Adebara; the representative of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and state Commissioner of Tertiary Institutions Dr Abolore Afees Alabi.
They also include Dr Olusegun Omolale, Commandant, Nigeria Legion Corps of Commissionaire, Commissioner for Social Development Hon. Deborah Abosede Aremu; representative of the Emir of Ilorin and Chief Missioner of Raodatuul Aminna Sheikh AbdulRahman Aminna; among others.
Before the laying of the wreaths, prayers were said by the Nigeria Army Chaplain Catholic, MWO Francis Keneng, Imam Nigeria Airforce, Sq Leader A.S. Ajao and Chaplain Protestant, Leading Rev Peter Obadiah of the Navy.
Wreaths were laid by Gov AbdulRazaq, Deputy Govern Kayode Alabi, Speaker, House of Assembly, Chief Judge, Commander 22 Armoured Brigade, and commandant, Nigeria Navy.
Others were the Provost of Nigeria Army College of Education, the Commissioner of Police, the Chairman, of Nigeria Legion in Kwara, the Commissioner for Social Development, the Emir of Ilorin, Unilorin VC and UITH CMD.
END
