Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has reiterated his commitment to protecting the welfare of serving and retired military officers in the state.
He made the promise in an address he delivered on Tuesday in Lokoja during the wreath laying ceremony for this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Governor Bello, who used the occasion to commend Kogi State Legion for its effort in maintaining comradeship of the Servicemen and servicewomen after retirement, pledged his unflinching support to them and promised to continue to improve in that regard even in the face of dwindling resources.
“Today’s ceremony is in continuation of an annual tradition of recognizing, celebrating and honouring the indelible sacrifices of our veterans during the World Wars, Nigerian Civil War, and in recent times Internal Security Operations particularly the ongoing war on insurgency in the Northeastern part of the country.
“The efforts of the fallen heroes to put to a lasting end emerging communal clashes in some part of the North central states of the Federation, which Kogi State is benefitting tremendously from is also worthy to note.
“It is indeed very important to honour the memory of our distinguished veterans who risked their skins and sacrificed their lives to keep the country as one indivisible entity. Some of these compatriots have spent the best part of their lives in Service to keep our nation and the world at peace,” he said.
The Governor, who reminded the public that the Remembrance was a Day set aside to remember the sacrifices and commitment of the country’s fallen heroes across the 36 states of the country, including the nation’s capital.
“It is vital on this note that we cast our minds back at the events that led to the civil war, the huge human capital loss of the tragic war, and remain ever determined that never again shall we allow our dear nation by our actions or inactions be pushed into another war.
“I want to salute the gallantry, courage and sacrifices of men and women of the Armed Forces as they tackle numerous and contemporary security challenges facing our country and more importantly our own state, Kogi State. We have recorded great success in our fight against insecurity in Kogi State as a result of our collective effort and unrelenting spirit of the Nigerian Army and her sister agencies in the state.”
He then expressed appreciation for their continued loyalty to the country and dedication to duty, saying that such gesture, which stretched to the Confluence State and its environs, pledged to continue to do all within his power and resources to ensure that their welfare was well catered to as the state patron of the legion.
“Our country has a noble culture of appreciating and giving respect to veterans and servicemen and women just as it is practiced world over and Kogi State in recognition of your innumerable contributions to its peace and security have followed suite in similar taught.
“I therefore look forward to a time when business concerns and service providers in the State would give special recognition and consideration for these distinguished citizens and support the veterans’ cause in any way they can through voluntary donations, employment opportunities and welfare support,” he concluded.
