Defence Minister Pledge FG Commitment to Family of Fallen Heroes
By Lazarus Zakaa, Nigeria
The Minister of Defence (MOD), Major General Bashir Magashi (Rtd) has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government (FG) towards improving the welfare needs of families of the nation’s fallen heroes.
The Minister said is in honour, appreciation and recognition of the selfless sacrifices of the fallen heroes towards the peace and unity of the nation.
Speaking while fielding questions from journalists during the Jumaat prayer in Abuja, to commemorate the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC), Maj Gen Magashi explained that the FG has continued to support and cater for the dependants of fallen heroes.
He recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari while Launching the 2020 AFRDC Emblem last year, emphasized that a major priority of government is to ensure that it caters for families of fallen heroes.
The Defence Minister lauded the effort of the Armed Forces in supporting families of personnel who paid the supreme price, through economic empowerment programmes for their widows and educational scholarship for their children.
He urged Nigerians to remain patriotic and committed to the unity, peace and progress of the nation. He enjoined all to support the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in performing its constitutional role of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Professor Shehu Galadanci in his sermon, described the Nigerian military as an embodiment of courageous, gallant and discipline personnel, whose performance in internal security and peace support operations within and outside the shores of the country has received global encomium.
The Chief Imam, implored Nigerians to show appreciation to members of the AFN for tackling national security challenges, particularly in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the country. He urged the military not to relent in ensuring that terrorism is completely eradicated. He also called on Nigerians to encourage, support and pray for troops in the various theatres of operations.
Prof Galandaci paid tribute to fallen heroes and veterans for their patriotic and selfless sacrifices.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Tanko, ministers, Members of the National Assembly, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, diplomats, senior military and Paramilitary officers attended the Juma’at prayer.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is scheduled to hold on 15 January 2020 across the nation.
Pictures from Jumaat prayer in Abuja, to commemorate the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC)
