Presidency Pledges Support For Veterans and Families of Fallen Heroes
The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government will continue to recognise the sacrifices of the men and women of the nation’s armed forces.
He gave the assurance during an inter-Denominational Church Dervice organised by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to commemorate the 2020 Armed Force Remembrance Day Celbration-AFRDC on Sunday in Abuja.
The Vice President said the government would continue to prioritise their welfare and the wellbeing of the families of the fallen heroes.
According to him, the Goverment do not and will not take its men and women of the armed forces for granted.
“We will do better for our veterans and the families of our fallen heroes and to improve the conditions of those in service and we shall do so incrementally.
“And so, today, we came together to thank the men and women of our armed forces for their sterling and selfless service to our nation.
“You have shown uncommon resilience, you have shown courage and commitment to the defence of our country.
“On behalf of government and people of Nigeria, I thank you veterans and serving officers for your faith and your services to our nation and we thank the families of the fallen heroes for your fortitude,” he said.
Professor Osinbajo noted that the sacrifices of the men and women of the armed forces both dead and living was responsible for the existence of Nigeria as a nation today.
He said the country know that many veterans of various conflicts over time, made the supreme sacrifice including their families who also paid and continued to pay a heavy price.
According to him, wives or husbands in some cases deprived of their spouses, children growing up without the mentor and counsel of their parents and of course the economic deprivations when only one parent bears the responsibility of bringing up and caring for the family.
“It may not always be evident but it is true that men and women of the armed forces are not just fighting to preserve the Nigeria of today.
“Their efforts are in part dedicated to preserving the future for safer, more secured, more confident, more united nation for our children and grand children.
“Every victory won through your immense courage and your toil in the face of mortal dangers are the inevitable labour pains of the new Nigeria. Your labours will not be in vein,” he said.
The ceremony is attended by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and his wife Dolapo, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, representatives of the Chief of Army Staff and that of the Chief of the Air Staff.
Also in attendance are Heads of government agencies, military officers, soldiers, members of the Nigerian legion, directors of chaplain services of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
