BY ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State yesterdsy, kick started the State 2020 celebration of Armed Forces Remembrance Day with the launching of emblem for the Appeal Fund at the Unity Hall of Government House, Asaba
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro made a launching of five million naira (N5m) on behalf of the State Government to support the family of fallen heroes and injured ones.
While saying that, the annual celebration was organized to specifically honour, appreciate the commitment and celebrate gallant members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who laid down their lives in the defense of territorial integrity and promotion of global peace, Gov Okowa noted that the armed forces were still involved in peace efforts, especially in the Northeast of the country, where they are fighting to end activities of Boko Haram, which had inevitably led to some of the officers paying the supreme price.
“The event is to honour those that have suffered various setbacks as consequences of their participation in wars and to generate fund through donations for the welfare of their dependants”. The Delta State Governor further explained.
He hinted that, the Remembrance Day which include a Moslem Jumat Service and a Christian International Thanksgiving Service on Friday, 10 January and Sunday, 12 January, 2020 respectively, including the Grand Finale at the Cenotaph Asaba, will feature the laying of wreaths at the tomb of the unknown soldiers.
He therefore enjoined all to donate generously for the success of the celebration.
Earlier, the State Chairman of Nigerian Legion, Boniface Ojei stated that the vision of Nigerian legion was to pursue the welfare of legionnaire widows and orphans left behind and positively alter public perception of the veterans in Nigeria and indeed Delta State.
He thanked the State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, His Deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro and the entire good people of the State for their roles in effectively hosting this event annually to raise fund to support the Nigerian Legion.
He reiterated that the veterans were noble class of Nigerians worthy of honors from all and sundry. Adding that those of them that had gone before were honourable and those alive were a treasure to be cherished. That their candid desire was for the nation Nigeria to appreciate their past services, sacrifices and tolerate them as they phaseout in pension.