Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has advocated the setting up of businesses for spouses of Nigerian fallen heroes so that they can earn a living on their own instead of waiting for handouts.
In his address at the Grand Finale of the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, Saturday at the Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Stadium Owerri, Governor Uzodimma said “Nigerians should do something exemplary to provide for the families and relations of the fallen heroes left behind so that it will be a source of encouragement and motivation to officers that are serving.”
He said he believes Government, at all levels, can do better to alleviate the problems of the families and relations of the fallen heroes.
“We should be more compassionate towards them knowing full well that the relative peace we enjoy today in the country is a result of their sacrificial contributions.”
The Governor said: “Apart from award of scholarships to the children of the diseased members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Nigerians should also do their best to set up businesses for their spouses.”
He reminded the gathering once more of the importance of the day which he said has become an annual ritual.
The Governor used the occasion to appreciate the men and women who have paid the supreme price in the course of their patriotic duty to Nigeria, enjoining all to “reflect more on what it means to sacrifice oneself today for the interest of the Nation.”
To emphasize his points, the Governor posed some questions such as how possible it could be for people to willingly pay the supreme price and be ready to put the interest of the Nation above personal interest.
“This is what makes the occasion unique because it’s actually about the role the fallen heroes have played and why they are being honoured,” the Governor explained.
The Governor reiterated that Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a “National day of reflection on the lives and careers of men and women who willingly submit themselves to service of our dear country knowing that it might require them to die in the process.”
Governor Uzodimma said he considers the military and other members of the Armed Forces as the “most noble and patriotic institutions in the world.”
Painting a picture of the courage and selfless decisions of the Armed Forces in their patriotic disposition to the country, the Governor said “those who enlist into the military are quite aware of the inevitability of the consequences of their decision, they know they have signed not for self glorification but to suffer and endure hardship.”
His words: “Members of the Armed Forces choose to travel through the perilous road to sustain the unity and peace of our nation and to secure the Nation against internal and external aggressions. Based on the above, what we owe them is to take care of the families they left behind.”
The Governor informed that his government did her best when insecurity was festering in the State and did not fail to appreciate the efforts of those who lost their lives fighting the bandits.
He promised that Imo State will continue to partner with the deceased families to bring them succour and encouragement.
Similarly, he promised that the welfare of the security agencies still serving in his Government will continue to be given the attention it requires, saying he acknowledges the “enormous contributions of the security agencies in Imo State in containing the security breaches in our State.”
Concluding, the Governor expressed his immense gratitude to the President and Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari “for his love for Imo State and his invaluable contributions towards the restoring of peace in Imo State.”
He also expressed his sincere regret over every Nigerian family that suffered loss from the insecurity that has affected Imo State, Nigeria and the world in general.
Highlights of the occasion were: laying of wreaths by the Governor and other top government officials, signing of remembrance day register, release of pigeons to signify peace, among others.
The event was attended by all the Service Chiefs serving in Imo State, traditional rulers, the clergy and others.
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