Governor of Enugu state , Dr. Peter Mbah, Wednesday, January 15 joined millions of Nigerians in honouring fallen heroes who voluntarily laid down their lives in service to the country.
He also commended Ex- servicemen and those still in service, for their commitments , reassuring support to the families of the fallen heroes, retired servicemen and those in active service .
He spoke during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held at his Michael Okpara Square, Enugu
Pix: Gov Mbah going to lay a wreath
The Governor said the men and women in uniform fight to curb insurgency, banditry and sundry act of terror in a bid to secure towns and eliminate every threat to peace, adding that the fallen heroes dedicated their all to keep Nigerians alive and sometimes at the risk of their lives.
“I feel honoured to be part of this solemn annual event that honour the remarkable memories of our men and women of Nigeria Armed forces.
It’s an event to appreciate the life of sacrifice of this brave men and women who fight for our collective wars.Our gathering is in appreciation to their lives of devotion, sacrifices.
“Every January 15, we remember that sacrifice and selfless of our compatriots who paid the final price with their lives as well as those who keep the flag flying.
“Sometimes they pay ultimate prize and when such tragedy occur, they leave behind their families whom the pain of lost is often most severe. We owe them our love and care words and deed.
“The families and children of ex servicemen are compelling reminder of the sacrifices of the fallen heroes and their lifetime sacrifices duty to our country had earned the families they left behind a right to our collective empathy”, Governor Mbah said.
He hinted that Nigerians owed families of the fallen heroes care and love as ways of supporting them for the supreme sacrifice their departed ones paid for the country.
Pix: Gov Mbah laying a wreath on the feet of unknown soldiers
“This is what gratitude looks like and it is the greatest honour and respect we can accord to them,” Mbah said.
Speaking, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Emeka Igwesi, said the Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an annual event , a period set aside to honour those who served the country, when it needed them most.
He said the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance day was a success and very significant. He called on the government, institutions, Non-Governmental Organisations and individuals to support and give motivation to those who were still serving and the families of the fa
He urged partnership with the State Government in the area of engaging members of the Nigerian Legion in security jobs. “We have experience, well trained and specialised retirees that needed to tapped in the area of security and others”.
A widow , Mrs Sarah Ugwuabonyi, who spoke to newsmen said things were not eady for them. She called for support to the families of fallen heroes.
“It is a day of emotion as you can see our women are crying . It has never been easy given the economic situation of the country. The school fees, house rent, prices of food stuff have skyrocketed,” she said.
She thanked Governor Mbah for the support of his administration to them and appealed to him to offer scholarship to their children in the University, empower women that have skills and giving loan to other widows to start business
Highlights of the event were laying of wreaths by Governor Mbah, Service Chiefs in Enugu , chairman Enugu state traditional rulers council, HRH Igwe Asadu among others. There was gun shot salute in honour of the fallen heroes, guard of honour , releasing of Pigeons which signifies peace and signing of condolence register
The event was attended by some members of the state Executive council, security agencies and Local government chairmen among others
Author: Maureen Ikpeama