SOLUDO CELEBRATES ARMED FORCES DAY, PAYS GLOWING TRIBUTES TO THE FALLEN HEROES

By Christian ABURIME

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has paid glowing tributes to the sacrifices of the fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Governor Soludo gave the commendation during the Wreath Laying Ceremony to commemorate the 2023 Armed Forces Day at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.

The Governor described the day as an opportunity for sober reflection.

“Today calls for sober reflection as we remember and celebrate our fallen heroes in the Army, the Navy, Air Force, the police and secret service who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of our collective liberties and rights as well as those of the communities around the world through the various peace keeping missions that the Nigerian Armed forces have embarked upon, over the years. May their great souls continue to rest in peace”, Governor Soludo prayed.

“We also continue to stand in solidarity with the spouses and family members of the fallen heroes. As a people, the nation will never forget.

“We can never as a people take for granted, the great sacrifices of our fallen heroes. In dying for us to live, the heroes are etched forever on the pages of our history.

“The 2023 Armed forces remembrance Day celebration, kicked off in earnest on Friday, December 9, 2022 with the launching of the Armed forces remembrance Day emblem.

“Following the launch of the emblem, there was the church service last Sunday, January 8 2023 at St Faith Cathedral, Awka and Jumat prayers on January 13 at Central Mosque, Awka.

The Governor continued, “today’s wreath laying and parade ceremony should serve as the climax of the patriotic commemoration of the heroism of our beautiful forces who stood up to be counted towards the successful completion of the Nigerian Civil war and all the other engagements that the armed forces have embarked upon in defence of our country and our liberties.

“When our Country was a British colony, the remembrance Day was on November 11 as Puppy day in honour of the end of the first world war, but the end of the Nigeria Biafra war has accounted for the change of date to 15th of January and I hope we all remember this.

“Our esteemed Armed Forces deserves continued commendation for their dogged fight against terrorism, insurgency and armed banditry all over the country.

“It is so reassuring and praise worthy that our men and women of the forces are not resting on their oars but instead extending their worthy legacies of the veterans”, Governor Soludo stressed.

“The veterans we celebrate today have left a solid legacy for the Nigerian Armed forces of the present. They continue to guarantee internal peace such as especially, we remember the sacrifices of this armed forces in our dear state, Anambra, helping to liberate, as we know, the eight local governments that were completely taken captive before our government was sworn in and helping to maintain security around the entire state.

“At this moment let me on bhealf of the good people of Anambra State pay special tribute to all those who lost their lives in the determined fight to eliminate criminality in our dear state. May their souls rest in peace”, the Governor prayed again.

“Let me also commend the gallantry, professionalism and massive support of all the security agencies operating in the state. Your immense sacrifice and devotion will forever be treasured by the great people of Anambra state”, he stressed.

“To the criminals in Anambra State and the Country, especially a few miscreants terrorising parts of Ihiala LGA in particular, we use this moment to assure you that light and darkness can never coexist. You will never break our will as we are determined to take back our state fully”, the Governor warned.

“Our people are determined and will surely have their deserved security, peace and progress. On this account, we shall continue to celebrate our heroic men and women of the armed forces and all the security agencies operating in the state. We will never forget our esteemed ex servicemen.

“You may be retired, but never tired because you continue to lend your experience and service towards maintaining internal security all over Nigeria.

In keeping with the words of our National Anthem, may the efforts of our heroes past not be in vain”, the Governor added.

He ended by wishing all a very memorable Armed forces remembrance Day celebration and asked that prayers be continually offered for the souls of the fallen heroes of the past.

The event attended by members of Anambra State Executive Council, Security Chiefs in the state, ex servicemen, among others, featured parade, gun salute, wreath laying and release of pigeons.