The blood of the martyrs, Fallen Heroes is the seed sowed for the unity and progress of the country.
The Senate President, Godwin Akpabio made this known during the Interdenominational Church Service for 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The Senate President said that the blood of these courageous countrymen and women is and continues to be the seed of our unity and progress as a nation.
According to him, we remember these heroes and heroines, holding firmly to the promise of our National Anthem that their labours shall not be in vain. Just as it is our solemn duty to ensure that they did not die in vain by promoting the peace and unity of Nigeria.
Senator Akpabio said it is an immense honor to stand before this gathering of the faithful as we collectively reflect, pray for, and pay tribute to our brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty to uphold peace and security in our beloved nation in particular and the world in general.
“Today, we also remember our veterans, the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who consistently find themselves in harm’s way while safeguarding Nigeria”, he said.
According to him, Nigeria, this great nation, is populated by people of diverse faiths, whether Christians, Muslims, or followers of other religions,
“Nigerians share a deep-rooted belief in God and the power of prayers. It is no small feat that despite the challenges plaguing our nation, our people remain united as one entity – Nigeria. This is a testament to the resilient spirit of unity that defines us, transcending our diversity in culture, religion, and tribe”, he said.
He added that the unity of Nigeria came at a great price.
According to him, the sustenance and defense of this unity rests on the shoulders of the men and women of the Armed Forces, and the true weight of loss is carried by the families and dependents of these fallen heroes. I
“If only we could share the pain they feel, then we would truly understand the imperative of eschewing insecurity and violence in all its forms”, he said.
He noted that wars often start from avoidable unrest and small sparks of conflict that, when left unaddressed, escalate into full-blown catastrophes.
“War destroys lives, livelihoods, cripples economies, promotes vice, and results in environmental degradation.
We must place the unity of our nation above selfish and sectional interests by guarding our words and being accommodating to our diversity while remaining sensitive to the plight of others”, he said.
The year 2023 was an eventful one, marked by general elections and a change in leadership. Our nation is still grappling with the effects of long-overdue multi-sectoral reforms needed to propel us forward and position Nigeria among the great nations of the world.
“I urge for support to the government of His Excellency President Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, during this crucial time as we strive to achieve the Nigeria of our dreams. In this regard, I reiterate the President’s assurance that “our tough times will not last” and we should renew our hope in a great Nigeria”, he advised.
The Senate President noted that now is the time for all stakeholders to set aside our differences, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliations, and come together to strategize on the way forward for this great nation that our gallant men and women of the Armed Forces paid and continue to pay, the ultimate price to preserve.
It is also a time for sober reflection, to take stock of past events such as the civil war, and to reflect on current challenges like the war on insurgency, incessant attacks on innocent Nigerians, and the spate of kidnappings across the country. We must reflect on their causes and work together to prevent future occurrences.
He called upon the church to partner with the government in a much-needed rebranding of Nigeria.
“The church is urged to continue spreading the gospel of love for oneself, others, and our country. We must blur the lines that divide us across ethnic and religious boundaries through messages of tolerance, peace, unity, and progress. This administration is more determined than ever to strengthen and promote the oneness and indivisibility of Nigeria because the strength of our great nation lies in our diversity”, he said.
He salutes the courage and appreciates the sacrifices of our men and women of the Armed Forces. Let us stand in solidarity with the families of our fallen heroes and heroines.
“I assure you that the government will continue to evolve policies to address the challenges you face as a result of your loss. The inclusion of veterans, their dependents, and caregivers into the Social Welfare Register through the Ministry of Defense is a commendable initiative of the current administration. The President, Commander-in-Chief of our Armed Forces is committed to implementing welfare programs within the services for the families of deceased personnel while making continuous efforts to address any remaining gaps”, he assured.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, today we pray, just as our National Anthem implores us, “in love and honesty to grow,” and that “the labor of our heroes past shall never be in vain.” Nigeria will remain one united, strong, and indivisible nation that all citizens and the world at large can be proud of. I call upon my compatriots to rise, for a new era of Nigerian glory is upon us.
Earlier, the Archbishop of Abuja Africa Metropolitan Church, Arch Bishop Peter Ogumiyiwa said insecurity persists in Nigeria because past Service Chiefs live in affluence, while complaint of lack of funds.
He said salaries and emoluments of military personnel should be paid as at when due if Nigeria is to be well secured.
Ogumiyiwa in his message titled “Hope of a New Dawn”, at the Special Inter-denominational Church service at the National Christian Center, Abuja, said while checkpoints have become obsolete means of containing criminalities, the military and other security personnel have turned them into tollgates.
The clergy noted that the level of insecurity in the country is worrisome, adding that the North Central has become a hotbed of insecurity in the country.
He said that “corruption in the country is endemic and become a norm, adding that for corruption to be curtailed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must beam its searchlight on every citizen, devoid of ethnic and religious coloration”.
Ogumiyiwa commended the troops of the Nigerian military for their sacrifices and for putting themselves in arms way for the peace of the country.
The Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa took the first reading while the Senate President took the second reading.
Many dignitaries were in attendance
Dominica Nwabufo
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