As Nigerians mark the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Ogun State governor in South-West Nigeria, Dapo Abiodun, has called on Nigerians to support the widows and children left behind by the nation’s fallen heroes so that their labour would not be in vain.
The governor who stated this in an interview after the laying of wreaths and parade by members of the Armed Forces to mark the end of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the Arcade Ground Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, attributed the peace and security in the nation to the efforts of men and women who sacrificed their lives for a united Nigeria.
According to the governor, “they died protecting the nation against internal and external aggressions. We must continue to ensure that we remember the widows, widowers and the children who are now fatherless or motherless.
“Yes, it is important to remember them today, but more importantly, it is good to remember them every day. Not just to come here and after all is said and done, we go home to come back next year.
“We should remember that these are the people, without them, we will not have peace, law and order and the security that we need which is directly responsible for the socio-economic development and allowed people to go about their business looking for means of livelihood.“
The governor urged Nigerians to exhibit the act of love and appreciate those who laid down their lives to preserve the corporate existence of the nation, saying that “no love is greater than this.“
He stressed that as the nation was moving towards the forthcoming election, his administration would leave no stone unturned to ensure a peaceful atmosphere in all parts of the state through inter-party tolerance, warning that his government would not hesitate to wield the big stick, if the peace of the state is threatened.
Highlights of the event included laying of wreaths by the governor, Service Chiefs, royal fathers and the release of white pigeons by the governor as a sign of peace.
