Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to build a society of peace and security, and to ensure unity prevails in the State.
The Governor who spoke to members of the Nigeria Legion, ex-service men, families of the fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces, security personnel, government functionaries at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, also launched the emblem with the sum N10 million.
The Governor represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Musa Ikhilor, said the Armed Forces Remembrance Day “is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by gallant men and women, who, through courage and selflessness stood as a defensive wall for the Country’s unity.”
He said: “Let us take the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where peace, security and unity prevail. A society worthy of the sacrifices made by our armed forces and it is in this light to re-emphasises the need for us all to work together in unity beyond diversity, differences of tribes, tongues and religion to come together and build a nation of brotherhood.
“As we embark on this year’s celebration, we urge all citizens to support this noble course. Your contributions go a long way in providing care, rehabilitation and empowerment for those who have served and the families of the fallen heroes.
“Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by our gallant men and women who through courage and selflessness, stood as a defensive wall for our national unity. It is also important to honour our veterans to continue to inspire us with their dedication and resilience.
“It’s important at this point to recall the sacrifices made by our men and women in the cause of their duties to the nation. They have participated in several roles to protect and defend the sovereignty of our nation, Nigeria.
“We are able to sleep with both eyes closed as a result of the gallant work done by our Armed Forces, as they sacrifice a lot, to ensure the country remains united.
“Despite our challenges, we will continue to give our Armed Forces the support they need because they pay the ultimate price and it is not too much to give them our solidarity.
“Today, we gather in solidarity, honour and deep gratitude to launch the emblem for the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration. This emblem symbolizes more than a tradition and it represents our collective resolve to remember, respect and support the men and women who have paid the ultimate price for our nation’s peace and security.
“The Edo State Government is launching this year’s emblem with the sum of N10 million, as the Governor urges all to wear the emblem with pride, as we participate actively in the remaining activities coming up on the 15th of January, 2025.”
The Governor said the appeal made to integrate active members of the legion into the security architecture of the State is apt “because security is everyone’s business and a collective concern as the Nigerian legion have a key role to play.”
Edo State Chairman of the Nigeria legion, Mr Ignatius Enabulele, said the bravery and gallantry of the Nigerian Army Forces are commendable, as their acts and actions have kept the nation in unity.
“We thank them for the sacrifices made and will be appreciated and valued. Let us collectively shun tendencies that will ignite violence and chaos as a nation. We should celebrate our diversity as our strength.”
