The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to honouring the sacrifices of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces with the launching of the Emblem Appeal Fund for the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.
The event, held on Tuesday at the Cocoa Conference Centre, Governor's Office, Akure, signalled the commencement of activities to honour the nation's fallen heroes and support veterans.
During the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the emblem as a symbol of gratitude and a pledge to support those who have served the nation.
"The launch of this emblem is not just a ceremonial act; it is a solemn pledge to support our veterans, provide them with the recognition they deserve, and honor the values for which they have fought so bravely," he said.
The Governor announced a state donation to the Nigerian Legion, Ondo State Chapter, as part of efforts to improve the welfare of ex-servicemen, widows, and dependents of fallen heroes.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also commended the professional conduct of security agencies during the recent gubernatorial election, which saw him secure a landslide victory.
Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted the importance of collective contributions to the appeal fund, urging corporate organizations, government institutions, and individuals to make generous donations.
"On our part as responsible and responsive government, we shall not shy away from paying attention to the welfare of widows and dependant relatives of our fallen heroes within the limit of our resources.
"We are quite aware of the untold hardship of wives, children and dependant relatives of the fallen heroes due to the loss of their loved ones and breadwinners and also the challenges being faced by those that are incapacitated as a result of their involvements in the defence of their motherland.
"Let me assure you all that the widows of our departed heroes will continue to be considered for empowerment to ensure that they live socially acceptable lives," he said.
The governor outlined the upcoming events for the remembrance celebration, including a Jum'mat Service on Friday, January 10, 2025; a Christian Service on Sunday, January 12, 2025; and a Military Parade and Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Government Cenotaph, Alagbaka, Akure, on Monday, January 15, 2025.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Lola Fagbemi, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support for initiatives aimed at improving the lives of veterans and their families.
She emphasized the significance of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, describing it as an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of military personnel who laid down their lives for the nation.
Fagbemi further highlighted the importance of collective efforts in ensuring that the welfare of ex-servicemen and their dependents remains a priority, calling on all stakeholders to support the emblem appeal fund generously.
Also in his address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Ondo State chapter, Col. Olu Apata (Rtd), applauded the state government for its continued commitment to the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families. He described the emblem as a symbol of patriotism and unity, urging citizens to wear it with pride as a mark of respect for the sacrifices of the Armed Forces.
In attendance at the event were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa, APC state chairman, Emgr. Ade Adetimehin, Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, security officers, and representatives of the Nigerian Legion.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
December 10, 2024.
