Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says despite differences in religion, ethnicity, political affiliations, or other diversities, Nigerians from all walks of life must endeavour to commit to ensuring Nigeria’s unity, because the country is stronger together than apart.
Speaking on Sunday at the Interdenominational Church Service for the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, Osinbajo who was represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha said Nigerians “must at every opportunity insist that every great multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation has, through thick and thin, fought to realise the great dividends of diversity and pluralism”.
He reiterated the need for Nigerians to, as a mark of honour for the sacrifices of the men and women of the Armed Forces show more commitment to the unity of the country and the task of building a better society.
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The Vice President said, “the struggle to ensure a more perfect federation is a lifelong enterprise to which each generation must resolutely commit”.
While paying tribute to the departed men and women of the Armed Forces, he observed that their sacrifices embody ultimate patriotism as they laid down their lives in the line of duty.
He noted that the departed heroes and heroines of the Armed Forces “fought to preserve the freedom of the nations of the world from totalitarianism in the First and Second World Wars; to keep our Nation and its people as one in the Civil War.”
The Vice President who praised members of the Armed Forces added that they “laid down their lives in peacekeeping operations on the continent and elsewhere, paid the ultimate price in the fight against the mindless terrorism in the North East, and in defending the land from other threats to security.
In his tribute to the departed members of the Armed Forces, the VP recalled the heroism of the late Ms. Tolulope Arotile, who made history in October 2019, when she was winged as Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot in the 55 years of existence of the Nigerian Air Force.
He said, “although her young life was cut short in very unfortunate circumstances, Tolulope lived her dream to join the Nigerian military and along with colleagues from all parts of this nation, to defend the territorial integrity, peace and security of this nation.
Osinbajo noted the nation will always be grateful and proud of the continuing commitment of our young men and women to serving in the Armed Forces.
He said “this occasion is also one where we celebrate, honour and pray for the families, relations and loved ones of our fallen heroes, those who daily bear the pain and deprivation of their absence. On behalf of Mr. President and the Federal Government, we once again extend our sincere condolences to you. We pray that the Lord will comfort you and uphold you daily.”
Meanwhile, the Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, has asked the Federal Government to fish out and prosecute the sponsors and financiers of the dreaded Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen militia, bandits and other criminals that have been causing havoc in the country.
Doing this according to the Governor is the only way to reduce insecurity to the manageable situation in the country. Ayade who was represented by his deputy, Professor Ivara Esu stated this in Calabar during the special church service as part of the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Week held at the Usang Iso Memorial Presbyterian Church Nigeria.
The Governor wonders what the military is doing with its intelligence arm which is the fulcrum of the organisation, saying bringing the perpetrators to book no matter how highly placed will give a useful result in the fight against insurgency in the country.
Adequate provision of funds and equipment for the military and paramilitary personnel will help in curbing the challenges of insecurity plaguing the Nigerian state.
This summed up the message of The Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri at the interdenominational church service held to commemorate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Governor Diri at the King of Glory Chapel Government House Yenagoa commended the Armed Forces for their sacrifices to keep Nigeria as one united country.
And Nigerians have been advised to always remember the the country’s fallen heroes who fought gallantly for nation building.
This was at the occasion of the special church service for the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Owerri, Imo State.
The Deputy Governor, Placid Njoku and some senators within and outside the State attended the interdenominational church service
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
