Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah has declared open the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance period which started today, December 3 , with a launch of celebration, emblem, assuring continuous support to the Nigerian Legion and the Military.
He said that the labours of the fallen heroes and all those who fought for the peace amd unity of the country will not be in vain.
He spoke at the launch of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem held ,Tuesday at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu.
Governor Mbah,who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, said the state Government will do all it could to provide a better living for the members of the Nigerian Legion ,saying,”we will stop at nothing ,until we do that which is possible.”
He described the Armed Forces Remembrance Day as a solemn event, ” explaining that ,”at this event we try to remember those who sacrificed their lives in the protection of our country and those who were lured out from their constitutional responsibility to support the Assisted services that ordinarily is not their constitutional responsibility.
He lauded the Nigerian Legion in their request to be allowed to help in the internal security of the state . Governor Mbah said the Commissioner for Special Duties will start conversation with the Nigerian Legion so that the state government may tap from the benefits attached to it.
On members’ welfare, he announced that he had held discussions with the leadership of the Nigerian Army to provide a space for the state government to build a Smart Green school at the Command primary and secondary schools,so that their children could have access to the schools. He promised that they will see whatever they could do to make life better for members of the Legion.
In their goodwill messages, the Speaker, of Enugu state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu, who was represented by Hon. Raymond Ugwu, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Major General H. T. Dada ,who was represented by the Garrison Commander, Brig. General Dogo, , the Air Officer Commanding ,Ground Training Command, Nigerian Air Force, Sir Vice Marshal U K.Abdullahi in their congratulated past heroes who had served the Country. laid down their lives.and those who were injured . They pledged continuous support to the Legion.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Enugu state Council, Dr. Emeka Igwesi, said ” the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration” is an annual event set aside in memory of our fallen heroes and heroines who voluntarily laid their lives in the service of their fatherland.
“It is also in honour of our living heroes particularly those who are incapacitated or maimed while on active service . Also, the suffering aged, sick and bedridden men in different nooks and crannies of the country who served the country when the country needed them most.
‘It is further a period to enliven the spirit of gallant men and women who are still on active service of the country”, he said .
Requesting for partnership with the state government, Dr. Igwesi said, ” Nigerian Legion has men and women who served the Army Navy and Air Force and are still young and strong. These men and women are ready to partner with Enugu State government in marry areas, including security even in other areas of interest where persons with principles and integrity are required.
“These rare human assets cannot be allowed to waste or left untapped. Our men are well trained and highly disciplined. Many of them were instructors with rare knowledge and have attended specialized military courses that will be of great benefit to the government efforts in putting in place functional security in Enugu State”., Igwesi said.
He solicited monthly subvention to be paid to the Nigerian Legion for their upkeep
“We are performing the responsibilities in which we were established. In the past, we outlined the blue prints/work plans of the present Legion leadership in the state, which we listed as follows, sanitizing the Legion. , modernizing the Legion, advancing the Legion. As a matter of fact, we did not have all it takes to achieve our objectives in the manner we wanted it. The problem of the Legion in Enugu State is impaired resources which has affected the Legion mandate,”;Igwesii said.
He said the Legion had men and women are ready to partner with Enugu State government in marry areas, ins luding security, and even in other areas of interest where persons with principles and integrity are required.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day parade and Wreath Laying comes up on 15 January, 2025.
Highlight of the event was the launch of Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem by the state government, the military and para- military, traditional rulers’, Local government chairmen, individuals among others.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama