Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) 2017 Emblem Launch

Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) 2017 Emblem Launch

THEME:Appreciating The Resilience of The Nigerian Armed Forces

Speaking after the launch, Osinbajo  acknowledged and appreciated the gallantry and sacrifices of the military veterans in the first and second world wars, peace keeping operations around the world and internal security operations, particularly the ongoing campaign against terrorism at home.

According to him,  the Federal Government will continue to commit itself to addressing the challenges facing the veterans adding that’To this end, we have recently implemented the recommendation to increase their pension. We are also happy you note that the military pension scheme is running efficiently even as verification exercise for ex-servicemen and women was successfully conducted recently.

He noted that It is indeed fitting and worthwhile and even noble to honour the country ‘s distinguished veterans, some who paid the highest price and many others who devoted significant part of their lives to the service of the country and the world at large.

He said’Since independence 56 years ago, our nation has witnessed a number of internal strifes, survived a civil war but we have remained united. Our people have through all consistently showed a commitment to remaining as one people. This in itself honours the sacrifices of our fallen heroes, heroines and veterans who rose up and continue to rise up to confront the security challenges of the day.

“We are here today to demonstrate our appreciation for their service and to value their devotion and honour their memory. This is why the armed forces Remembrance Day celebration is observed annually as we do today to commemorate the selfless service of our gallant troops.”

He further stated that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Appreciating the resilience of the Nigerian Armed Forces” is apt as  it speaks to the perseverance and dedication of our serving and departed men in the uniform.

He said those great attributes are particularly on display in this trying times in our national life as men and women of the armed forces make genuine efforts to bring down the insurgents.

“Let it be said all over again that as an administration, we will continue to honour our military forces in their ongoing arduous fight against terrorists and we will do all we can to remember their sacrifices and appreciate their families who bear the brunt at different levels of pains and loss.

“As a nation, we are grateful to you, our loyal and gallant troops for ensuring that terrorism and hate do not prevail in our land and doing so with such commitment and fervour. To their families, we owe an even greater debt of gratitude and a permanent duty not to forget what their husbands and wives did and to also ensure that we remember them materially.

“Let me also salute the courage and sacrifices of the men and women of the armed forces in grappling with militancy, oil theft and piracy in some parts of the country. They have displayed unalloyed loyalty and commitment to Nigeria” Osinbajo said.

He asserted that when you consider the situation and conditions under which they died, suffered physical incapacitation, those of them who are beneficiaries of their sacrifice carry a compelling moral duty to do our best to contribute towards the welfare and sustenance of their families and dependants.

The vice president added that beyond words of gratitude that honour their memories and services, their modest material comfort can go a long way to ameliorate their pain and loss.

He noted that  is why the Nigerian Legion is high among charitable organisations of note deserving patronage both as a government and as a people.

“The Nigerian Legion which is the umbrella body of veterans has continued to contribute to the growth and development of the country.

“The emblem launch today is meant to appeal to all Nigerians to identify with the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and veterans by making generous donations towards supporting the Nigerian Legion. Furthermore, after the emblem launch, I implore all Nigerians to procure and wear the emblem with pride especially throughout the remembrance period.

it is my pleasure to on behalf of the President to launch the 2017 armed forces Remembrance Day emblem and appeal fund with N10m on behalf of the Federal Government, He stated.

Earlier, the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, described the event as a unique one because it came at a time when Nigeria has achieved milestone in its anti-insurgency war with territories recovered despite economic hardship.

Dan-Ali said the armed forces had played significant roles to maintain peace, hence the nation is grateful to all those who have paid the supreme price.

“The campaign against terrorism has tasked the resourcefulness of our armed forces. Many lives of officers were lost and many sustained injuries. They gave their yesterday for the nation’s today and tomorrow. We owe their families our generosity,” he said.

He urged all Nigerians wear the emblem with pride to honour those who paid the supreme price.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Col. Micah Gaya (retd.), told the gathering that the group recently gave food items to 50 widows, bursaries to 50 children and assisted 50 veterans at an event held in Makurdi, Benue State.

Gaya later decorated Osinbajo; representative of the President of the Senate, Ali Ndume; acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; Dan-Ali; as well as service chiefs with the emblem.

Other ministers and heads of government agencies would be decorated in their various ministries at later dates.

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