After series of events spanning ten days, the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance celebrations in Oyo state came to a close, on Monday, with the laying of wreaths, firing off rounds valley, Reveille, the release of ceremonial peace balloons and inspection of the guard of honour.
Nigerian Tribune reported that high point of the event held at Remembrance Arcade, Agodi, Ibadan, was the laying of wreaths by dignitaries to include Governor Abiola Ajimobi; General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Chukwunedum Abraham; Commander, Nigerian Air Force Detachment, Ibadan, Air Commodore Olalekan Lawal; Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, CP Abiodun Odude; Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Oyo State Command, Mr Michael Fajimi; and Chief Judge of Oyo State, Munta Ladipo represented by Justice Ladiran Akintola.
Speaking on the essence of the celebration, Ajimobi harped on the need for Nigerians to selflessly serve humanity bearing in mind what legacies they would want to be remembered for.
Noting the sacrifices of various servicemen, Ajimobi regarded service to humanity as the greatest form of Godliness.
“Today we honour our heroes who paid the utmost sacrifice so that we can remain alive and united as a nation.
“In all that we do, we will all die one day. How do we want to be remembered? We are remembering them today as heroes because they have paid the utmost sacrifice in the service to humanity.
“We must serve with all our might, with all that God has endowed us with because, in the end, we will all die,” Ajimobi said.
In his own remarks, GOC 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Abraham reminded servicemen of the need to be irresolute in their defence of the territorial integrity of the nation.
“We feel pleased that our country remembers those who have paid the supreme sacrifice for the peace and well-being of not only our nation but other nations.
“It is very encouraging too, in our lifetime, see what is being done to immortalise those who have died in the defence of our peace and security.
“Those in active service should work harder because we have all signed to go wherever ordered, whether by land, sea or air, to defend the territorial integrity of this country and to ensure peaceful coexistence.
“That is what we have been signed to and should do it with all our heart and might,” Abraham said.
