Sanwo-Olu pledges continuous support for families of fallen heroes
Sanwo-Olu
• Makinde admonishes security agencies on political neutrality
• Nigeria will forever be indebted to military personnel, says Akeredolu
• Disburses N17 million interest-free loans to widows of veterans
• Adeleke advocates national dialogue on security sector financing
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, promised that the state government would continue to provide financial support as well as empower families of fallen heroes.
He gave the promise at the parade and laying of wreaths to commemorate 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, said that the state government and the people of Lagos State really appreciate the efforts of the military in protecting the territorial integrity of the country.
RELATEDLY, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, yesterday, admonished the security agencies to remain professional and neutral in the coming elections, saying that politics will go but the country will remain.
The governor stated this at the grand finale of the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held at the Remembrance Arcade, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.
He promised to keep supporting and working closely with members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the state.
ALSO, the Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has described the sacrifices made for the survival and unity of the country by men of the Armed Forces as ones that will always be cherished by Nigerians.
According to him, the sacrifices of military personnel are the zenith of patriotism.
The governor stated this in Akure, the Ondo State capital, at the final parade and laying of wreaths to commemorate the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held at The Cenotaph.
Akeredolu, who was represented by his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, gave out N16 million interest-free loans to over 86 widows of departed heroes and wives of legionnaires to enhance their livelihoods, while N2.5 million was also donated to the Nigerian Legion through an emblem appeal fund, aside from other donations made by individuals.
He noted that the loan facility given through the micro-credit revolving interest-free loans would assist in resuscitating their trading businesses, which might have suffered setbacks over the years after the demise of their husbands.
MEANWHILE, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has advocated urgent national dialogue on sustainable financing of security sector amid national economic crisis.
In a statement signed by Spokesperson to the Governor, Malam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke, who gave the advice during the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony yesterday, described the event as a solemn tribute to the dead and the living, noting that proper attention to welfare of service personnel is a guarantor for national security.
“We are celebrating men and women who pay the supreme price for the continuous existence of our nation as an indivisible entity. We salute our heroes, the gallant servicemen whose blood were spilled for national defence. At the same time, we pay homage to our veterans, the living witnesses of patriotic service.
“Government at all levels must ensure that our gratitude translate to improved service conditions for service personnel and unconditional care for the veterans and their families.
“I advocate a renewed focus on funding of the security sector alongside security sector reform. As a nation, we are faced with mounting security challenges at a time of national and global economic crises.
“National and state leaders must therefore brainstorm on how best to meet the financial needs of the security sector. Despite competing needs, a new national dialogue on sustainable funding for the Armed Forces and other security services is necessary now more than ever before,” the governor noted.
Earlier, Chairman of Nigerian Legion, Oladipo Abioye Peter, who thanked the government for its support over the years, said that they would be forwarding the area of their needs for the attention of the state government.
He added that the legion would continue to support the state government in maintaining law and order.
