Akwa Ibom state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting and prioritizing the welfare of legionnaires, the Armed Forces and the security agencies as a whole, in appreciation of their patriotism towards safeguarding the nation.
Governor Eno who restated this in his address at the grand finale of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the state cenotaph, off Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, said the ceremony was in appreciation of the sacrifices, patriotic zeal and gallantry of men and officers of the Nigerian armed forces who paid the ultimate price to keep the country as one indivisible entity.
According to the Governor, the sacrifices of the fallen heroes should serve as a constant reminder to governments at various levels, towards ensuring that the issues that led the men and officers of the armed forces to various battle fronts are better managed for continued peace and unity. He urged the people to collectively shun tendencies that inflame passions in the polity, but rather embrace the diversities and uphold inclusivity, fairness, tolerance in the interest of the nation.
While restating his determination to work closely with the Nigerian Armed Forces and other agencies, in appreciation of their sacrifices and collaborations enjoyed so far which, he noted, has singled the state out as the most peaceful, Governor Eno announced the donation of one hundred million naira to families of the fallen heroes and a purse of twenty-five million naira to the Nigerian Legion in Akwa Ibom.
Government house correspondent Jane Uwa reports that high point of the event which also featured the release of the white pigeons to signify peace, was the laying of wreath by the state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, speaker of the state assembly, Elder Udeme Otong and other top government officials, including the heads of security agencies in the state.