Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Tuesday in Ibadan launched the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration Emblem with the sum of N 2million.
The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that the Jan. 15 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration is an annual event organised to honour members of the Nigerian armed forces who fought in the World Wars and the Nigerian Civil War.
Ajimobi, represented by his deputy, Chief Moses Adeyemo, said that the fund would go toward creating a better life for ex-servicemen, veterans and dependents of dead soldiers.
“It is noteworthy that collective efforts should be made to consciously care for the needs of maimed soldiers, the widows, their children and other dependents of fallen heroes.
“The Nigerian Legion, Oyo State Chapter, has initiated various relief packages designed to make legionnaires, widows and their dependants self-sustaining.
“I wish to assure you that the state government will continue to support the Nigerian Legion, especially those viable projects meant for the dependants of fallen heroes.
“I also wish to acknowledge the concerted efforts of the State Ministry of Women Affairs, Community Development, Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation toward the successful take off of this annual celebration in the state,” he said.
The governor, however, appealed to corporate firms and well-meaning Nigerians to donate generously to the Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Week Fund to support people with disabilities and less privileged ex-servicemen and women.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Atinuke Oshokoya, said that the celebration serves as a painful reminder of the perils of war.
Oshokoya called on Nigerians to assist the families of the fallen heroes that lost their lives in efforts to foster the harmony currently enjoyed in the country.
Mr Michael Fajimi, the Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Oyo State Command, said the launch was aimed at raising funds for widows and dependants of fallen heroes and war veterans.
Fajimi, while appealing for funds from private individuals to complement the effort of the state government, said the state was among the most peaceful in the country.
