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The launching of the Emblem for Armed Forces Remembrance Day as well the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day kicked off yesterday and will climax on Sunday, the 15th of this month with a wreath laying ceremony at the World War I & II Cenotaph, Lokoja.
In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Hon. Odaudu Joel Minister, the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello directed that all proceeds from the launch of the Emblem be used for the welfare of widows and widowers, children and dependants of gallant men and women who paid the supreme sacrifice for our sovereignty and peace.
At the launching and kick off ceremony, Governor Bello was decorated with the Emblem for Armed Forces Remembrance Day by the Chairman, Nigeria Legion of Ex-Servicemen, Capt. Johnson Ogu (Rtd) after which the Governor himself carried out the decoration of the Deputy Governor, Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, the Chief Judge of the State, the Secretary to the State Government, Service Chiefs, and the Attah of Igala, with the Emblem.
In his speech, the Governor opined:
“Today, because it is still fresh in our hearts, we remember a Prince of Bassa Nge Kingdom and a gallant son of Kogi State, the Prince of Baga, Lt.Col Mohammed Abu-Ali who fell in battle. We remember him and his colleagues who gave it all for us…”
During the event, the Kogi State Government announced through its Secretary, Dr. Mrs Folashade Arike Ayoade, a donation of the sum of 10 million naira to the Legion of Ex-Servicemen. This is the first time this is happening in Kogi State.
In his reaction, the Commander, Army Records, Lokoja, Brigadier-General Henry Ayamaseiwei asserted that His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello’s passion and support for the armed forces is unrivaled.
“I have served in States across the federation and in my 32 years of service and I can tell you unequivocally that the passion and support His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello has for the Armed Forces is unequalled”, he said.
Governor Bello is passionate about the welfare of security agencies in the State. He is a morale booster.
This is further demonstrated by today’s activities. The state did not commemorate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day last year but this year’s came with a bang.
The Commander further stressed: “The personal donation of His Excellency and that of the State government is well appreciated. Our departed colleagues were part of us so it gives us a sense of relief to know that our families will be taken care if we die in active service.
If other states governors emulate Governor Yahaya Bello’s love and commitment to welfare of men and women of the Armed Forces and Paramilitary, they will be encouraging us to give the best and nothing less.”
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