Biodun Esan, Ilorin
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has called on Nigerians to join hands with the government in promoting the welfare of the ex-servicemen and families of fallen heroes and heroines to encourage current members of the Armed Forces to serve bravely.
The Governor made the call on Wednesday in Ilorin at the launching of 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Emblem Appeal Fund
“We must show our appreciation by contributing generously to 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 to the families and dependants of our ex-servicemen, who fought gallantly during the World Wars and the Nigeria Civil War.
“The fund will also cater to families of soldiers who lost their lives during peacekeeping operations in different parts of the country as well as the victims of the Hercules C130 plane crash of 26th September 1992.
“This fund will also assist those incapacitated as a result of these wars and incidents,” AbdulRazaq said.
AbdulRazaq encouraged Nigerians always to remember that the gallant heroes and heroines made the supreme sacrifice for peace and harmony in the country.
“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. We therefore salute your courage, patriotism, and selfless sacrifices.
“Permit me to seize this opportunity to especially 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,” he said.
The Governor donated to the legion and urged other members of the public to do the same.
Commissioner for Social Development Mrs. Opeyemi Oluwakemi Folashade, in her remark, emphasised that the week is a recognition of the laudable services of these gallant officers, noting that the labour of the nation’s heroes should not be in vain.
“Some of them died while in active service and on the war front while many others are physically incapacitated.
“It is for this reason that the legion of ex-servicemen is seeking support for officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces who are disabled as a result of these wars and to also cater to the families of the dead ones among them. It is my sincere hope that the labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain,” she explained.
The State Chairman Nigerian Legion, Brigadier General Abdulkadir Anigiobi (rtd) 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.
“Armed Forces Emblem Appeal Fund week is an annual event with the sole aim of raising funds for the care of the families and dependants of our fallen heroes who fought gallantly during the last civil war, the world wars,” he said.
The chairman also said the fund would be for the gallant officers and soldiers who lost their lives through insurgency in the North East, communal clashes, and terrorist attacks.
“The fund will also assist those incapacitated as a result of those unfortunate war incidents,” he said.
END
