In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde wants security agencies to remain neutral as the nation marches towards the general election to maintain peace in Nigeria.
The Governor stated this at the Grand finale/laying of wreaths of the 2023 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day, held at the Remembrance Arcade, Agodi, Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
Governor Makinde was received at the programme by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Aminu Chinade, the governor inspected the guard of honour mounted by the armed forces, accompanied by the parade commander, while heads of security agencies in the state were on the ground.
Governor Makinde later laid wreath in honour of the fallen heroes, followed by the GOC, and the Oyo State chairman of the Nigerian Legion, among other heads of security agencies and top government officials in the state.
Addressing journalists at the end of the event, Governor Makinde while stressing the need for security agencies to be fair stated that politics would end but Nigeria as an entity would remain.
Governor Makinde appreciated officers and men of Nigerian Armed forces for their contribution to nation building in view of security challenges facing the nation.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Legion in the state, Julius Ogunkojo, commended the state governor for his support while also calling for government’s assistance for his members.
Highlights of the event was the gun salute in honour of the fallen heroes and the release of ceremonial pigeons by the governor, which signifies peace.
The Armed Forces and Remembrance Day is held annually in Nigeria, on January 15, to remember the nation’s fallen heroes.
Similarly, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke says the nation owes a debt of gratitude to the service men and women for their past and present service to the nation.
Governor Adeleke stated this at the grand finale and Laying of Wreath at the military cenotaph for the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Osogbo.
While commending the sacrifices made by the Fallen heroes in defending the Nation’s sovereign integrity, peace and unity, the Governor advocated a renewed focus on funding of the security sector alongside security sector reform.
He noted that the country is faced with mounting security challenges at a time of national and global economic crises, stressing that National and state leaders must brainstorm on how best to meet the financial needs of the security sector.
“We must re-evaluate our financing options, focusing not just on military hardware. We must innovate to care sufficiently for the welfare of service personnel and veterans. Neglecting welfare of service personnel is a disservice to effective national defense”.
Governor Adeleke assured veterans in Osun State that his government is already looking into their long list of demands which in due course, immediate action will be taken to satisfy the aspirations of veterans in the state.
The grand finale of the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration which had in attendance dignitaries from government and the Security agencies featured laying of Wreath and special parade in honour of the departed heroes.
Iyabo Adebisi / Funmi Adekoya
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