The Akwa Ibom State administration announces its persistent effort to honor the patriotism and profound sacrifices of the Armed Forces, substantiating this with a notable N100 million donation earmarked for the widows of fallen heroes.
State Governor Pastor Umo Eno, aligning with counterparts in a collective tribute, revealed the generous donation on Monday as part of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremonies, symbolically participating in the traditional laying of wreaths.
Eno, underlining the perpetual debt of gratitude owed to fallen heroes, urges citizens to move beyond customary expressions, committing to tangible support with the announcement of a substantial N25 million donation to the Nigerian Legion.
His words, ‘The brave men and officers we have come here today to celebrate and honour laid down their lives to safeguard the territorial integrity of this great nation.’
‘While we salute their bravery and gallantry, let us remind ourselves that the issues that led them to the various theaters of conflict which ultimately led them to pay the ultimate prize would be neutered or better managed in our time.’
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‘Today, as we gather all over the nation, let us not forget the families of those who paid the ultimate price, let us give them a reason to be feel proud that their husbands, sons and daughters truly died for causes greater than their individual desires,’
‘As one who lost his father, a Police Officer, in the line of duty to the Nation, and left a young widow with the task of raising five boys and a girl, I understand what the widows of these fallen heroes are going through.’
‘Accordingly, on behalf of the Government and the people of Akwa Ibom State, we are donating the sum of 100 million Naira to the widows and 25 million Naira to the Nigerian Legion.’
The Governor, however, appealed that as the nation honour these brave men and women, the citizens should collectively shun tendencies that inflame passions in the polity.
‘Let us lower the temperature of incendiary and divisive rhetoric, let us address the root causes of social tensions in our polity, which today, have given rise to separatist agitations all over the nation,’ Eno appealed.
Highlight of the event was the laying of wreaths on the tomb of the unknown soldier, the ceremonial release of pigeons.