By Rotimi Agboluaje, Ibadan,
As state donates N3m to launch Armed Forces Remembrance emblem
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, yesterday, promised that his administration will continue to honour all fallen heroes and heroines in the state, as well as take care of maimed soldiers, their children, widows and dependents.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Rauf Olaniyan, stated this at the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Ibadan.
A statement issued by Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Taiwo Adisa, added that there was nothing done to support the heroes and heroines that would be too much for them or their families.
He announced the donation of N3 million by the state government to launch the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration Emblem.
He also appealed to corporate organisations, industrialists, commercial firms, philanthropists, and all individuals to donate generously to the Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal Week Fund.
He said: “On the part of the state government, we will be ready to attend to your needs. Everybody in this hall must donate something before leaving because this is the message from the governor. So, on behalf of the state government, the governor has asked me to announce the donation of N3 million to the Nigerian Legion.
“We have to attend to the widows and widowers and give in support of their needs. Some of us have tasted the heart of the war and the effect of internal insecurity, and we cannot claim ignorance as if we don’t know what happened to those who were affected.
“Symbolically, for us in the South West, it could be easier for us to forget the effect of the Nigerian Civil War, but it won’t be like that for people in the South East. This is an occasion for good Nigerians and philanthropists among us to donate to the need of those, who were affected during the war.”
Earlier, Oyo State Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Evangelist Ogunkojo Adeyemi, appreciated the Makinde-led administration for the positive and genuine disposition to the Nigerian Legion, especially when there seemed no more hope for the legion election in the state, the governor approved the long-awaited election.
He requested befitting operational vehicles for effective security operational duties and enjoined everyone to donate generously to the noble cause so that the effort of the heroes past would not be in vain.
The weeklong remembrance activities include the launching of Emblem Appeal Week, special prayers in churches, mosques, honouring veterans, as well as empowerment of widows and people with disabilities.
The event witnessed the decoration of top government officials, military commanders, the Commissioner of Police (CP) and other service commanders in the state.
