Donates N10m to Nigerian Legion
By Abdullahi M. Gulloma
Abuja
President Muhammadu Buahri yesterday launched the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance emblem with a donation of N10 million to the Nigerian Legion on behalf of the federal government.
The President, who was decorated with the redesigned emblem as the Grand Patron of the Nigerian Legion, called on Nigerians and corporate organisations to support the Nigerian Legion in its worthy initiative.
The President hailed the courage and sacrifices of men and women of the Armed Forces in grappling with the wave of terrorism, oil theftand piracy in some parts of the country, saying government was determined to improve the operational resources of the Armed Forces and ameliorate the suffering of dependents of the veteran soldiers.
“In their arduous task to keep Nigeria safe and united, some of these gallant officers and men lost their lives. To them, we pay special tribute and pray for the repose of their souls. Fellow countrymen and women, consider the situation and conditions under which they died or suffered physical incapacitation.
“It behoves on us who are living beneficiaries of their sacrifice, to contribute towards the welfare and sustenance of their dependants. Our modest effort will go a long way to demonstrate our depth of gratitude and ameliorate their present condition.
“We are also happy to note that the Military Pensions Scheme is running efficiently even as verification exercise for ex-service men and women was successfully conducted recently. The Ministry of Defence has been charged to come up with programmes that would enhance the living standards of the veterans.”
The President directed the Minister of Defence, Brigadier-General Muhammad Dan-Ali (rtd), to come up with programmes that would enhance the welfare of the veterans in appreciation of their service to the nation.
In his remarks, Dan-Ali, emphasised the important roles the Armed Forces had played in the corporate existence of the country, and called on Nigerians to purchase the emblem.
