It is with a deep sense of responsibility that I join you today on the celebraon of the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Emblem Appeal Fund raising in memory of our fallen heroes to formally kick-start the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in the State.
As you are aware, the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day is aimed at paying
tribute to the members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who have made sacrifices in
the defense of our great country and, indeed, humanity. This event is significant, as it affords us yet another opportunity to reflect on the ulmate sacrifice by the fallen heroes and to appraise the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces in ensuring peace and security of our dear nation, not only for ourselves but for generations yet unborn.
My dear compatriots, it would be recalled that since the First and Second World Wars that took place in 1914-1918 and 1939-1945 respectively, the Nigerian Armed Forces have been frontal and pivotal in various peace-keeping missions across the globe. This is in consonance with the obligations of Nigeria as a signatory to international organizations such as the ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations, among others. This is with a view to safeguarding and promote mutual cooperation, co-existence, freedom, self-determination, and, above all, justice and peace for the whole of mankind.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is also pertinent to stress that the unfortunate Civil War which Nigeria had to contend with in order to remain one indivisible nation was, no doubt, a painful experience. It was a tragedy that will continue to linger in our memory due to the colossal loss of lives and property that Nigeria suffered. In that fratricide, thousands
of our compatriots lost their lives and many others sustained various degrees of injuries, including loss of vital organs of their bodies. Indeed, it will continue to remain a sad narrative of our history.
It is sad to state that in recent times, the Nigerian Armed Forces have been confronted with security challenges such as banditry, militancy, civil unrest, farmers/headers clashes, kidnapping, insurgency, terrorism, and other forms of criminalities which have continued to threaten our corporate existence and the nation’s socio-economic
endeavours. It is worthy of note that over the years, our soldiers have not only lost their lives, many others that we’re fortunate to survive, sustained various degrees of injuries, including loss of vital parts of their bodies, like hands, limbs, eyes, and host of other conditions, such that they have now become incapacitated and are unable to provide adequately for themselves and their families. Accordingly, the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration has been set aside to pay glowing tributes and
honour to our past heroes, as well as those of them that are still alive. In this regard, the Emblem Appeal Launch avails us all the opportunity to demonstrate our collective appreciation and gratitude for the sacrifices they have made, which we all now enjoy as a people.
Consequently, it is imperative to state that as a mark of respect for our departed heroes, we reciprocate the supreme sacrifice of our fallen heroes by contributing to the
welfare and survival of ex-service personnel and their families, to give them hope and sustain their patriotism and commitment. No doubt, our modest effort in this direction,
will further demonstrate our obligation to the sustenance of the Nigerian Legion and commitment to the wellbeing of the distressed, vulnerable, and less fortunate members of the society as a whole.
Let me use the opportunity of this celebration to urge all and sundry, to continue to pray for the sustenance of peace, unity, and respect for human values and dignity. We must unite to fight all divisive forces and tendencies in our communities for the continuous stability, peace, and progress of the society. In the same vein, while
commending you, members of Nigeria Legion for your steadfastness, perseverance, self-discipline, and partnership with Government, I urge you to sustain your support for the policies and programmes of this Administration. On our part, we will continue to accord the desired respect to the legionnaire and support the wellbeing of the Nigeria Legion. It is pertinent to note that, as partners in the determination to move our State forward, I urge you all as the conscience of our people and, indeed, all citizens of our dear State, to resolve today and henceforth, to embrace and promote tolerance and mutual co-existence so that Nasarawa State may always experience the level of peace, harmony, and tranquility for which we are widely known and acclaimed. I equally enjoin all citizens of the State to continue to remain peaceful and submissive to the constituted authority in order for our evolving democracy to flourish in the
interest of our society.
It is, therefore, imperative to at this juncture, urge all Government Ministries and Agencies, as well as Non Governmental Organizations to patronize the services of members of the Nigerian Legion by engaging them in productive ventures. On our part, I assure you all that Government will continue to provide for the welfare of
members of the Legion within available resources.
At this juncture, let me state that, to demonstrate our solidarity with our fallen heroes and in line with existing tradition, all Government functionaries in the State are to
ensure that you wear the Remembrance Emblem throughout the period of this celebration. On this note, on behalf of the State Government, I, hereby, launch the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem with a donation of the sum of … (N). I wish you a successful anniversary celebration.
Thank you and may God bless us all.
