Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has called on Nigerians to join hands with the government in promoting the welfare of 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 at the launching of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Emblem Appeal in Ilorin, the state capital.
“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 for 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 for 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,” the governor said.
AbdulRazaq encouraged Nigerians to always 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,” AbdulRazaq added.
The governor donated to the legion and urged other members of the public to do the same.
The state chairman, of the Nigerian Legion, Brigadier General Abdulkadir Anigiobi 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.
