2025 Armed Forces Emblem Appeal Fund: Gov. Ekpebholo donates #10M

Members of the High table as they take their salutes at the Armed Forces Emblem Appeal Fund programme. From L-R are Brigadier General Moses U. Ikobah, Deputy Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Training (Representing the Commandant); Brigadier General Ebenezer Oduyebo, Commander, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army; Chairman Nigerian Legion, Edo State Council, Sir Ignatius Enabulele; Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Umar Musa Ikhilor Esq; Representative of AIG Zone 5, ACP Aigbe Aghahowa

By Bernadette Idalu
War veterans, today, Friday, December 13, 2024, heaved a sigh of relief as the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, donated ten million naira towards the actualization of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration slated for January 15.

Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor Esq, on behalf of government, at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, the governor also promised to look into areas of operational deficit or needs of the Nigerian Legion in Edo State.

Paying tribute to officers of the Armed Forces and their immense contribution to peace and nation building, the governor exhaled, "Despite the criticism or the challenges we may confront, even as a community, it is not enough to be a critic. It is not the critic who counts or the man who points out how the strong men stumble, but, the man who is actually in the arena. 

"Our Armed Forces are in the arena paying the multiple price for defending and protecting us. It is not too much to support them; to express our solidarity..."

He urged all citizens to express solidarity and put up concerted efforts to ameliorate the hardship faced by families of deceased war veterans and heroes just as society strives to come together irrespective of creed, tribe or religion. 

In her welcome address, Permanent Secretary, (PS), Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Madam Balogun Aiyegbeni Aina said the Armed Forces remembrance celebration afforded an opportunity to express appreciation for sacrifices made by gallant men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces especially those who have given their life to protect the sovereignty of the country. 

She observed that the emblem launch was more than a symbol; it is a statement of gratitude and support to those who have served, and to the families of those who have paid the ultimate price. It stands as a call for every citizen to honour their heroes and contribute to their welfare. She noted that the event was about solidarity and commitment to shared responsibility hence the need to wear the emblem with pride and also encourage others to do same.

Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Edo State Council, Sir Ignatius Enabulele who touched on valour and gallantry and the need to sustain and commend efforts of heroes and veteran members of the Armed Forces, either serving or deceased,  sounded this pungent advise, "While we salute their bravery and gallantry, let us remind ourselves of the need for peaceful coexistence as a nation. Let us collectively and individually shun tendencies that ignite violence and chaos in our nation. Let us celebrate our diversity, and see our differences as a source of strength and developmental opportunities rather than see them as a weakness to be exploited by narrow minded individuals or political group, for their own social or economic advantages. Let us hold high the noble flag of inclusiveness, fairness, equity and level playing ground. Great nations are built when everyone has a stake and is treated as an equal partner in the scheme of national development."

Members of the Armed Forces, The Nigerian Legion (Retired Officers), and allied paramilitary establishments including the National Youth Service Corp, families of veterans, friends, including government officials and others graced the occasion.



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