By Olanrewaju Ajao President Muhammadu Buhari has announced a donation of N10 million on the occasion of the launch of the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem.
The theme of this year’s celebration held at the State House Conference Centre (Old Banquet Hall) is “Motivating the Nigerian Armed Forces for Effective Service Delivery.”
He used the occasion to reiterate Nigerians’ resolve to remain united despite the current challenges confronting us as a nation.
According to him “Since independence, Nigeria has witnessed a lot of internal strife, survived a civil war and has remained united.
“This feat achieved by the country is an eloquent testimony to the determination of our citizens to remain as one people”.
While making the N10 million donations on behalf of the Federal Government, he called on well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to generously support the Nigerian Legion in its worthy initiative.
Buhari spoke further, “I urge and encourage all our distinguished guests to purchase copies of the emblem for their wives, husbands, children, relatives and friends.”
He reminded that the emblem launch is meant to appeal to all Nigerians to lend their support to the legion, while encouraging all Nigerians to procure and wear the emblem with pride throughout the remembrance period.
This, he said, would show that we appreciate the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and veterans and also assure those still serving that their services to the fatherland will never be forgotten.
Buhari, therefore, disclosed that in future, wearing of the emblem would become a requirement for all the staff and visitors to gain access into government establishments.
Buhari, who hailed the courage and sacrifices of men and women of the Armed Forces in grappling with the wave of terrorism, oil theft and piracy in some parts of the country, said they have displayed unalloyed loyalty and commitment to Nigeria.
“In their arduous task to keep Nigeria safe and united, some of these gallant officers and men lost their lives. To them, we pay special tribute and pray for the repose of their souls.
“We are also happy to note that the Military Pensions Scheme is running efficiently even as verification exercise for ex-service men and women was successfully conducted recently. The Ministry of Defence has been charged to come up with programmes that would enhance the living standards of the veterans,” he said.
He urged state and local governments to continue to lend their support and give concessions to the veterans.
Earlier, the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Mansur Dan-Aloi emphasized the important role the Armed Forces has played in the corporate existence of the country. He called on all Nigerians to purchase the emblem.
