• Donates N20m To Legion
In a significant move to bolster security measures and combat insecurity, Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has announced plans to integrate ex-servicemen into the state’s security architecture.
The governor made this known at the launch and sale of the armed forces remembrance emblem to mark the commencement of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Birnin Kebbi. The state governor also donated N20m to retired military men.
In a statement by the governor’s spokesman, Ahmed Idris, the governor said it is committed to restoring peace and securing lives in the state. The governor further said the state government will continue to involve ex-servicemen in the security architecture of the state including membership of the state security committee.
“Let me use this medium to emphasise that the special adviser on security to the government is a retired military officer.”The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, UmarAbubakar-Tafida, acknowledged it was apt to show respect to the fallen heroes and remember gallant officers of the Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives to keep Nigeria and the world at peace.
Commending officers and men of the military as well as other security agencies currently engaged in combating insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality, the governor observed that the occasion called for sober reflection.
Idris pledged continued support to the legion to cater for ex-servicemen and their families, and therefore,donated N20m to the state chapter of Nigerian Legion to mark the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.
The governor also announced allocation of Hajj seats to the legion for this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, promising to look into the issue of land allocation for the construction of secretariat for the ex-servicemen.
Introducing the commencement of the emblem appeal week, the Head of Service, AlhajiSufyanu Garba-Bena, said it’s a yearly event to commemorate the nation’s compatriots and honour living veterans of the military.
Earlier, the Chairman Kebbi chapter of the Nigerian Legion, Garba Hassan-Suru, affirmed support and loyalty of ex-servicemen to the administration of the governor.
He commended the governor for his fatherly care to members of the legion and their families, while appealing for assistance from the government for the completion of the headquarters of the legion and Hajj seats.
The chairman equally solicited for land allocation in the state capital, Birnin Kebbi and other local councils in the state.Aside from N20m donated by the state government, commissioners donated N1m with similar amount from the 21 local council chairmen.
The chairman of the Legion decorated the deputy governor with the appeal emblem signifying commencement of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.
