AKWA Ibom State government has reiterated that it would continue to celebrate the patriotism and deep sacrifices made by the Armed forces, and announced a donation of the sum of N100m to the windows of fallen heroes.
The state governor, Pastor Umo Eno announced the donation on Monday when he joined his counterparts across the country to mark the 2024 armed forces remembrance day/Laying of wreath.
Eno who stressed that the citizens owe the fallen heroes eternal debt of gratitude, not just words, the usual bromides, but concrete actions, also announced the sum of N25million to the Nigerian Legion.
His words, “The brave men and officers we have come here today to celebrate and honour laid down their lives to safeguard the territorial integrity of this great nation.
” While we salute their bravery and gallantry, let us remind ourselves that the issues that led them to the various theaters of conflict which ultimately led them to pay the ultimate prize would be neutered or better managed in our time.
“Today, as we gather all over the nation, let us not forget the families of those who paid the ultimate price, let us give them a reason to be feel proud that their husbands, sons and daughters truly died for causes greater than their individual desires,
“As one who lost his father, a Police Officer, in the line of duty to the Nation, and left a young widow with the task of raising five boys and a girl, I understand what the widows of these fallen heroes are going through.
” Accordingly, on behalf of the Government and the people of Akwa Ibom State, we are donating the sum of 100 million Naira to the widows and 25 million Naira to the Nigerian Legion”
The Governor, however, appealed that as the nation honour these brave men and women, the citizens should collectively shun tendencies that inflame passions in the polity.
“Let us celebrate our diversity and see the differences as reflected in our rainbow of our colors as sources for strength rather than weakness to be exploited for narrow individual or group’s political, social or economic advantage.
”Let us lower the temperature of incendiary and divisive rhetoric, let us address the root causes of social tensions in our polity, which today, have given rise to separatist agitations all over the nation”, Eno appealed.
Highlight of the event was the laying of wreaths on the tomb of the unknown soldier, the ceremonial release of pigeons.
