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, which is 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.
Also Read: President Buhari warns foreign envoys against interference in 2023 elections
The President paid tribute to veterans who devoted most of their active lives to securing the country and the world, particularly those who paid the supreme sacrifice.
President Buhari said the country’s efforts at nationhood since independence have been challenged by civil strife, a civil war and much uprising and violent agitations.
President Buhari said the Nigerian Armed Forces have effectively applied themselves to countering all the attempts by the country’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 declared that the renewed onslaught on bandits in the North-West has resulted in the military daily receiving insurgents who are voluntarily laying down their arms.
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.
On the Nigerian Legion, the President noted that the need to maintain the comradeship that existed during the service among officers and men of the Armed Forces led to its establishment through an Act of the National Assembly.
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.
The President stated that the veterans’ organisation has remained a veritable pool of abundant and diverse human resources.
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.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
