The Akwa Ibom state government has restated its commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian legionnaires in the state.
The state governor, Udom Emmanuel, who disclosed this during this year’s Armed Forces remembrance emblem appeal fund launch, Thursday in Uyo, donated five million naira for the launch.
Governor Emmanuel, represented by Mr. Moses Ekpo, deputy governor of the state, stated that the legionnaires were the people who staked their lives to protect the nation from external aggression.
“Let me begin by paying a special tribute to the Nigerian legionnaires and wish all of you a happy new year and I also salute your deep service of patriotism.
“The ultimate test of patriotism is when a man or woman leaves the comfort of his home and signs up to defend the integrity of the fatherland by this act a patriot usually signs away his or her life.
“It, therefore, takes tremendous courage to go to combats where bullets, bombs, and other ammunition all of them being instruments of death are constant companions but being aware of these dangers, you went to fight so that we may live in peace, pursue happiness and progress.
“The government remains committed to the welfare of the legionnaires. We will continue to partner with the relevant agencies that are tasked with the responsibility of making sure that our armed forces living or death including the legionnaires and their dependents are taken care of.”
He noted that the state appreciated the huge sacrifices which the veterans made for the nation, adding that their memories will be constantly remembered in the state.
The governor called on well-to-do individuals in the society as well as corporate organizations to join the government in helping the veterans to leave a normal life in society.
State chairman, Nigerian legionnaires, Col. Joseph Esu, thanked the state government for acknowledging their efforts in serving the nation.
