The Federal Government have been called upon to initiate policies and programmes that will enhanced the welfare of families of fallen heroes and veterans alike, as a proof of government’s appreciation for their sacrifices towards preserving the nation’s unity.
The Executive Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Area, Hon. Marvelous Zibiri, made the call during this year’s annual Armed Forces Remembrance celebration held at the public field, Auchi, the administrative headquarters of the local government.
He said the Armed Forces have had their share of challenges even in the recent years that have cost loss of life of combant military personnel in their determination to uphold their oath of allegiance to the nation.
The chairman equally appealed to corporate bodies, captains of industries, education institutions, medical facilities owners, wealthy Nigerians to show love to the families left behind by the heroes, saying their sacrifices towards the preservation of lives and properties cannot be overemphasized.
He said his local government will continue to give support to programmes and activities that will give the Nigerian Legion a sense of belonging within the financial capacity of the local government.
While praying for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes, he urged the families left behind to take the advantage of the state government free education policy, the health insurance scheme, free vocational training schemes and other various economic empowerment programmes to better their lots.
On his part, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion of ex-servicemen, Etsako West, Rtd. LT. Col. Abubakar Mohamed whose address was read by the Secretary, Rtd. Captain Andrew Unugbokhai, said every January 15 is always set aside by the Federal Government to commemorate and honour the fallen heroes and the living who paid the great sacrifice in both civil war and outside wars for the unity and peace of the country.
On this note, he said it is unfortunate and of great concern that the welfare of the families of the fallen heroes and the living have not been given adequate attention by the Federal Government.
He therefore appealed to the Federal Government to see to the welfare of the widows and children now suffering as a result of the parent’s great sacrifice to keep the nation as one, as it will also serve as an encouragement and hope for those still serving in the Armed Forces.
Highpoint of the celebration was the launching of the emblem, match-pass by various organizations and laying of wreaths by the council Chairman, Hon Marvelous Zibiri; Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Rtd. Lt. Col. Abubakar Mohamed; Auchi Area Commander, Nigeria Police Force, ACP Mustafa Rufail; Commandant, NSCDC, ACC. Okwuonyekwu O. Michae; Head of the Local Government Administration (HOLGA), Dr. Innocent Alenogena, among others.
