President Muhammadu Buhari has lauded the exploits of the Nigerian Armed Forces to maintain peace, unity and stability in the country, urging Nigerians to celebrate them as the pride of the country.
The President gave the charge at the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal launch, an annual event to appreciate the gallantry, sacrifices and accomplishments of veterans of the First and Second world Wars, peace support operations and internal security operations in Nigeria.
Paying tribute to veterans who devoted most of their active lives to securing the nation and the world, particularly those who paid the supreme sacrifice, President Buhari said
Nigeria’s efforts at nationhood had been challenged by civil strife, a civil war, and much uprising and violent agitations.
He noted however that despite the challenges, the country had remained united, saying that the resolve of the citizens for unity remains unshaken.
President Buhari said operatives of the Armed Forces had consistently demonstrated unparalleled patriotism, courage, loyalty, and commitment as they grappled with the daunting challenges of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
The President observed that they had effectively applied themselves to countering all the attempts by the nation’s enemies to disturb the peace, noting that places that were hitherto inaccessible and deserted have now been occupied by citizens who have returned to their normal homes.
He said the renewed onslaught on bandits in the northwest had resulted in the continual, massive, voluntary surrender of insurgents.
The President declared, however, that his administration would not be satisfied until peace was finally restored to all sections of the country.
President Buhari described the emblem as a sign of the sacrifices and blood shed by officers and men of the Armed Forces for peace and security of Nigeria.
The President called on all Nigerians to make generous donations to the Nigerian Legion, support the widows and orphans of the fallen heroes, procure the emblems and wear them with pride.
He commended the Nigerian Legion for living up to its mandate of catering for the welfare of ex-servicemen and those that distinguished themselves in the wars Nigeria participated in.
President Buhari charged the Ministry of Defence to continue to promote the engagement of retired officers and men in seeking avenues of contributing to national affairs.
The President pledged that the welfare of the ex-servicemen would continue to be a priority for the government, particularly the prompt and regular payment of pensions and benefits to retirees.
Bello Wakili