Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday charged Nigerians to show sympathies and solidarity with families of those who died or suffered disabilities on the war fronts while defending the country’s territorial integrity .
The Ekiti State chief executive posited that the best honour Nigerians could accord them, was supporting their distressed families to overcome those harrowing challenges and sufferings caused by the deaths of their loved ones
Oyebanji spoke during an emblem launch/ appeal fund in commemoration of the 2024 Armed Remembrance Day in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
Oyebanji, represented by the deputy governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, described the launching as a veritable opportunity to acknowledge the roles, contributions and selfless services of the country’s fallen heroes and the living veterans of the Armed Forces.
The governor expressed sympathy for those who died on the war fronts or suffered any form of disabilities while working assiduously to stabilise the nation, insisting that the country must exhibit huge appreciation to them.
“As a people, we cannot overcelebrate our armed forces personnel, living or fallen, serving or retired, because of the contributions to national unity and security.
“Some of these Patriots returned from wars with injuries and medical challenges, thereby leaving their families to face hardship and depression and sometimes, live in abject poverty.
“As I speak, I am sure of the fact that thousands of military personnel are stationed across the country and beyond, preserving and protecting peace in the name of Nigeria. The bravery and vigilance of these officers must never be forgotten.
“Therefore, our gathering here is not only to celebrate the fallen heroes, but to also raise funds to assist the immediate families of the war veterans.
“As good citizens of this country, our concern and aspiration should be geared toward sustaining our peaceful coexistence. The adverse effect of war and unrest cannot be quantified as some of the damages and wounds caused by civil war and other violent occurrences in the country are still fresh with us.
Harping on the need for sustainable peace in Nigeria and his unflagging commitment to issue of security in Ekiti, Oyebanji stated that the focus and kernel of his administartion and policy thrust place high priority on security of lives and property.
Oyebanji added: “Since the inception of this administration, one of our major tasks is security of lives and property in the state. As much as you can witness, this administration has continued to improve on the security and we will not be deterred in sustaining the existing peace”.
The governor appealed to Nigerians to place priority on peace and refrain from acts that could stoke the fire of acrimony or unrest to allow the peace-building mission of this current administration be fully realisable.
In his address, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Col. Atoki Abdurasaq (rtd), said Nigeria should continue to honour those galant soldiers, who sacrificed their lives, comforts and dedicated their energies to keep the sovereignty of the Nigerian nation.
“The emblem launch is aimed at raising funds in supporting the families of those who died at the warfronts, while fighting for our nation. This is the best honour we can do for their families, so that their efforts won’t be in vain”.
At the occasion, Governor Oyebanji, his deputy, members of the State Executive Council, local government chairmen and the service chiefs, donated to the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem/Appeal Fund.
