Segun Babatunde in Bauchi
The Bauchi state Government has launched the 2021 Armed forces remeberance Day and Emblem appeal week with a donation of N10 million to the association of Nigeria Legion, Bauchi chapter.
This is as the state government appealed to corporate Organizations and private sector to contribute to the welfare of retired military officers, especially the families of deceased officers who lost thier lives while serving the nation.
The Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadri Mohammed did the launching yesterday when he received members of the association who paid him a courtesy visit at the government house in bauchi.
He said that over the years, goverment has been bearing the burden of catering for members of the Nigeria Legion and ex-service men, pointing out people have forgotten the sacrifices of these ex-military officers whose efforts have made it possible for citizens in the state to enjoy the peace they are enjoying today.
“I am appealing to the general public as well as cooperate Organizations to put compassion in their hearts and come to their aid of these ex-service men.It is not enough to give contributions once in a year during such ceremonies. We should develop interest in their day to day activities and help them in whatever way we can, in whichever form and content”
“It should be our collective responsibility to cater for their welfare and that of their offsprings.On our part as a government, we shall continue to make efforts to ensure the comfort of their legionnaire and families.The families of these heroes really need support, care and compassion from all of us” he said
Governor Mohammed further appealed to wealthy Nigerians, Non-governmental Organizations, top government officials and senior civil servants to make generous contributions to coffers of the Nigeria legion, saying that it is in so doing, that people can show appreciation to the courageous and patriotic Nigerians who sacrifice their lives to preserve the unity of the country.
Earlier in his address, the State Chairman of Nigeria Legion, Bauchi Chapter, Mr Idris Danjuma Ningi commended the State Governor for the support it has been rendering to the association by providing accomodation and empowering the families of deceased officers and ex-officers.
He said the entire military retirees are always ready to support the present administration to succeed in giving the dividends of democracy to the people of the state. END