Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their roles in sustaining the peace, security and unity of the country, even as he prayed for the departed souls of the fallen heroes who voluntarily laid down their lives in the service of their fatherland.
The governor, who said this, weekend, at the Michael Okpara Square during the official launch of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblems, further reiterated the administration’s commitment to continue to support the families of the fallen heroes, and other ex-servicemen who had become incapacitated.
Governor Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, lauded the security agencies for their efforts in ensuring that insecurity is systematically stamped out of the state, saying the government would continue to forge robust alliance with them for the safety of lives and property of residents across the state.
He also appealed to well-meaning Nigerians not to abandon families of fallen heroes in the face of national economic challenges, urging them to continue to donate generously to those in need.
Assuring the Nigerian Legion, Enugu State Council, which organised this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Emblems Appeal of partnership, Mbah said the state would continue to engage them in areas that would be useful to the people.
“Our people here have continued to enjoy the efforts of the security agencies in combating crime and criminality, especially the Monday sit-at-home ordered by non-state actors and this administration has made significant gains in repositioning Enugu State as the safest state in the country. We understand that investments and businesses cannot thrive in an unsecured atmosphere, and that is why this administration has prioritised security. We will continue to work and to support you,” the governor added.
Speaking earlier, the State Chairman and Commandant of the Nigerian Legion, Enugu Council, Dr. Emeka Igwesi, described the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day as a period set aside in memory of those persons who had served Nigeria when the country needed them most, and solicited partnership with the state government, corporate bodies and eminent citizens to help families of fallen and living heroes who are bedridden, wounded, incapacitated and suffering.
He said the government could provide respite for young men and women who had previously served in the army, navy and air force through partnership in the area of security.
“Your Excellency, what we searched for in the sky is right there on the roof. Nigerian Legion has men and women who served the Army, Navy and Air Force and are still very young. These men and women are ready to partner with Enugu State government in many areas, particularly security. They are well trained, highly disciplined. Many of them are even instructors with rare knowledge of weapon handlings, field craft, tactics and have attended specialised military courses that will be of great benefit to the government efforts in putting in place functional security in Enugu State,” he said.
The Commandant further commended the governor, whom he described as the statutory patron of the legion, for the strong support for them and for his determination to make Enugu a modern state.
