Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the Delta State Governor, Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa has called on Nigerians to shun all forms of divisive tendencies and promote values and actions that unite us as one. And play the game maturely to ensure that lives and properties are not wasted on the alter of political expediency.
Gov. Okowa made the call in Asaba on Monday, 7th January, 2019, at the launching of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal Fund. Which is one of activities lined up for the celebration of the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
The Governor who was represented by the State Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, noted that the event as usual, provides the government with opportunity to place on record and applaud the exemplary sacrifices of our gallant military officers and men in ensuring peace in several wars including the various world wars, Nigerian Civil war, internal security crises and other peacekeeping activities around the globe.
While specifically applauding the Nigerian Military Officers in the internal security efforts of the ongoing fight against Boko Haram and bandits in the northern parts of the country, Gov. Okowa disclosed that during these peacekeeping efforts, including internal insurrections, some of our military officers and men paid the supreme price for us to remain in as entity and in peace.
He prayed that this country remained as one for those of us alive today.
The Delta State Governor appealed to Deltans to support the Nigerian Legion by purchasing an emblem and donating generously to cater for our incapacitated veterans and families of those who paid the ultimate price for the peace we are enjoying today.
While urging the various local government councils to take this events seriously and show more commitment towards the needs of veterans and the families of their departed colleagues, he also urged the management of The Nigerian Legion to use the proceeds from the sale of emblems judiciously for the welfare of those it was meant to serve.
Gov. Okowa assured the Nigerian Legion that the State Government will continue to assist them despite challenges of sustainable development the Government is facing.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Delta State Chapter, Assistant Commandant General (RTD) Boniface Ojei, disclosed that the annual event was set aside world over for the Remembrance and commemoration of the deeds of our fallen heroes, honouring the gallant, living heroes and attending to their responsibilities left behind (the widows, children and other dependents).
While appealing to everyone present to donate generously, General Ojei, noted that today’s event serves as a forum for fund raising for the welfare of disabled legionaries, the widows and orphans of soldier who died in peacekeeping mission world over and internal security services. Adding that, these classes of people can only be assisted through public continuous generous donation to the Nigerian Legion on an occasion such as this.
He concluded that the veterans were noble class of Nigerians. Those who had gone before were honourable. Those alive were a treasure to be cherished. That their desire was for the nation Nigeria to appreciate our past services, sacrifices and tolerate legionaries as they phaseout in pension.
The occasion was graced by top government functionaries including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Rt. Ovie Agas, representative of the Head of Service, Special Advisers, Traditional Rulers led by the State Council Chairman, His Royal Majesty Obi Emmanuel Efeizomor, the Obi of Owa, the Nigeria Security Agencies, Corporate Organizations amongst others.