Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has appealed to privileged individuals and corporate organisations to support members of the Armed Forces, in appreciation of their numerous sacrifices in the peace and security of the country.
Otti who spoke at the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, held at the Aguiyi Ironsi Cenotaph, Ogurube Layout Umuahia, noted that some members of the Armed Forces lost their lives in the line of duty, arguing that their families should not be abandoned.
The Governor who pledged the continued support of his administration to the Armed Forces, called for improved welfare package for families of ex-service men who died in line of duty.
Otti argued that their welfare should be paramount and commensurate with the sacrifices they render in their service and post service years.
Otti urged members of the public to change their bias against the Armed Forces, and show support for service personnel, both active and veterans to reciprocate their sacrifices.
He noted that despite various limitations, members of the Armed Forces have continued to sacrifice so much for the country.
“We should be thankful that our servicemen and women, not minding the failures and wilful amnesia of the political elites, have continued to stand firmly by their lifelong commitment of dedication and loyalty to fatherland that nothing, not even poor welfare conditions and reported abandonment of families of deceased colleagues, can dampen their morale.
“Even then, it is indeed very regrettable that the welfare of our men and women in uniform, in their service and post-service years, has not received the quality attention that is commensurate with the sacrifices they make.
“The time to make a change in the way we treat our active military operatives and veterans has come. It is the least we can do for the brave individuals for whom the fear of death means nothing.”
Governor Otti, commended the contributions of the Armed Forces to the security of Abia State and pledged the continued support of his administration towards the security of the state.
The Governor said their contributions to the state government had culminated in the resumption of economic and social activities in areas that had hitherto served as safe haven for men of the underworld.
“Until the end of my tenure, the security formations, especially those operating in the state, can count on my consistent support for their welfare because our economic and social programmes would be sabotaged or fatally impaired without adequate security in all parts of the state.
“Beyond just supporting our men and officers in active service, we shall also work closely with the Nigerian Legion, Abia State Chapter, to support the body of veterans in our state for the good of the men and women who once served this nation with strength and devotion.
“We shall also not forget the families left behind by those who paid the ultimate price in service of our fatherland, defending its territorial integrity or keeping criminal elements at bay,” Governor Otti pledged.
He called on citizens to uphold patriotism by prioritising the nation in their daily actions and expressions in addition to contributing to the pursuit of a just and equitable society.
High points of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration include the inspection of a guard of honor by Governor Otti, Laying of wreaths at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Special prayers and a minute silence for the fallen heroes as well as the release of pigeons signifying peace.
In a remark, the Bridge Commander, 14 Brigade Ohafia, Brg. Gen. Nsikak John Edet, said the event was meant to honour the fallen heroes and living veterans so that the living armed forces would uphold their ideals.
He said the Army provides employment to widows of the fallen heroes and pay them stipend to give them a sense of belonging.
The Brigade Commander further said the Army had elaborate plans to sponsor the education of the children of the fallen heroes.
