Bello Ademola
Bauchi state Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed on Tuesday launched the 2021 Emblem Appeal Week and Armed forces Remembrance Day in the state with the contributions of about 10 million naira from government officials.
Speaking at the launching ceremony at the the Council Chamber, Government House Bauchi, the governor said the Armed Forces Remembrance Day is in recognition of Nigerian’s legionnaires who served the nation in order to protect and preserve its territorial integrity as well as its survival as a single indivisible entity through their sacrifices during the world wars.
The governor who recalled that, the Emblem Appeal Week and laying of the Wreath is observed in the commonwealth countries on 11th of November every year, said however the date was changed in Nigeria to reflect the development of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the political development of the country.
He acknowledged the outstanding sacrifice of the ex-servicemen to the security of the country and therefore stressed the need for all to consider as collective responsibility, catering for their welfare and that of their off-springs.
” I am pleased to welcome you to the formal launching of the 2021 Emblem Appeal Week of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day activities in the State. Although we are all aware of the historic existence of this event, it will not be out of point to remind ourselves of the background of ceremony.”
He added that “Over the years, Government has been bearing the responsibility of catering for the members of the Nigerian Legion and ex-servicemen. People have forgotten the great sacrifices of these men whose efforts have made it possible for us to enjoy our peace today.”
He assured that, his administration will continue to make effort to ensure the comfort of the legionnaires and their families as they really need support, care and compassion from all.
Governor Bala Mohammed appealed to private sector, top public officers, senior civil servants, corporate organisations and well to do individuals to make generous contributions to the coffers of the Nigerian Legion so as to show their appreciation and support to them.
The governor therefore assured that, the state government will soon respond to the requests made by the legionnaires to enable them contribute positively to the growth and development of the state.
A press statement released by Muktar Gidado Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor further said the Chairman of the legionnaires in the state, Warrant Officer Idris Danjuma Ningi (rtd) appealed to the state government to as a matter of urgency come to their aid in order to alleviate their sufferings.
The Chairman said the union is ready to support the Governor to achieve his policies in the security sector for the maintenance of peace and security across the state.
