EKSG Urges Support For The Retired Soldiers

Ekiti State Government has called on well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies to support retired soldiers who had offered their
lives for the unity of the nation.

Speaking during the grand finale of the 2013 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebrations in Ado-Ekiti,the State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi noted that while some of the veterans were maimed for the rest of their lives, others had lost their lives in the quest for peace, security and unity of the nation.

Fayemi who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Ganiyu Owolabi stressed that it would not be charitable to abandon the veterans and families of the fallen heroes, saying that the sacrifice made by the fallen heroes for the national interest was more than the annual week-long ceremonies.
He appealed for generous donation from all and sundry through the emblem launch for a start in order to enhance the unity of the nation.

The Governor assured that his administration would continue to accord priority to the welfare of the veterans, adding that the state government recently donated an 18-seater bus to the state branch of the Nigerian Legion apart from other financial support for their sustenance.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the state chapter of the Nigerian Legion, Captain Richard Ogunboyo (Rtd) who expressed gratitude to the Fayemi led administration for its support, described the government’s gesture as unprecedented in the history of the Legion since inception in 1960.
Captain Ogunboyo however appealed to the Federal Government to pay all arrears of salaries and pension owed the retired soldiers in order to alleviate their sufferings. He said the Legion was ready to assist other security agencies in policing the state against hoodlums.
Earlier, the Governor had inspected a Guard of Honour mounted by the 19th Battalion of the Nigerian Army from Okitipupa and laid wreath in honour of the fallen heroes.

Other dignitaries that laid wreath in honour of the heroes included the Commanding Officer, 19th Battalion Nigerian Army, Okitipupa, Lt. Col. Osita Okoye and the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Wakama Sontonye.
The Ekiti State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, Barr. Augustine Obiekwe, the Chairman Ekiti State Nigerian Legion, Captain Richard Ogunboyo and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe also laid wreaths in honour of the slain soldiers.
Prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the departed soldiers with the release of pigeon which symbolizes peace for the
Nation.

Last modified: January 18, 2013