By Law Ibitoye
The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has declared that the Nigerian war veterans who lost their lives in the battles to keep Nigeria together deserve honour and respect from governments and all citizens for protecting the country’s national and territorial integrity.
Oyebanji said the fact that these fallen heroes fought during the civil war and still confronting other sectarian battles to keep the nation together, were suffice for the citizens to give their families enormous support and respect.
In the midst of the multifaceted insecurity bedlams pummeling the nation, the governor reiterated his commitment to prioritize the security of lives and prosperity of Ekiti citizens by making the state a no-go-area for criminals through lofty support for security agencies.
Governor Oyebanji said these on Sunday, during a thanksgiving service commemorating the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the Government House Chapel in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
Oyebanji, represented by his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brigadier Gen.Ebenezer Ogundana (Rtd), praised the legionnaires for their sacrifices for the nation, saying efforts must be intensified for their services not to result to nought.
He appealed to the public to support them and their families considering their level of commitment to promoting security of the nation, regardless of the risks involved.
He said : “Armed Forces Remembrance Day was put in place to celebrate the meritorious service of the retired soldiers and the fallen heroes who fought for the peace and unity of Nigeria.
“Looking at these sacrifices, they deserve a lot of praises from the people. The public must support the families they left behind likewise the legacy of patriotism, love and unity they fought to protect our dear nation.
“Let me also reaffirm the commitment of the present administration to prioritise security matters in the state, because welfare and security of the citizens are the two main cardinal objectives of any government and we will keep to these”.
In his sermon at the event, the Chaplain, Ekiti State Government House, Pastor Segun Awolumate, called on all levels of government to improve the welfare of legionnaires, so that they can live fruitful and worthy lives after retirements.
The Cleric posited that adequate reward for the war veterans remained the most important signal that can be sent to the upcoming soldiers to be able to show patriotism in service.
Pastor Awolumate encouraged the soldiers not to be disillusioned by the goings in the country to actualise the dream of making Nigeria overcome the challenges of insecurity, assuring that God would reward their sincerity and dedication to duties.
Present at the event were : The Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Dare Ogundare, representatives of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services, members of the State Executive Council, Local Government chairmen, clergymen, among others.