Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has said that his administration will continue to encourage and support the Nigeria Legion in the State to live up to its mandate in all possible areas.
Ikpeazu who gave the assurance while launching the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration Emblem Appeal Fund at Michael Okpara auditorium, Umuahia, said the living veterans, widows of the dead ones and the families of fallen members deserved the support of all Nigerians.
The Governor represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu reiterated that they cannot but celebrate and remain grateful to men of the Armed Forces especially the veterans who devoted most of their active lives to securing the nation and those that paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
He described the Emblem launch as annual event to acknowledge and appreciate the gallantry, sacrifices and accomplishments of veterans of the first and second world wars, peace support operations and internal security operations in Nigeria, hence the need to always applaud the exploits of the Nigeria Armed Forces in the maintenance of national, regional and global peace, unity and stability.
In her address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Deaconess Rose Urenta described the launch as an annual ritual aimed at appreciating the gallantry of veterans and officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifices to keep the nation united and urged all to continue to motivate and boost their morale by donating towards their upkeep.
Presenting his address, the Chairman of Nigeria Legion, Abia State Chapter, Commander Ambrose Nnabugwu who disclosed that the Fund Raising heralds the beginning of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration called on political leaders to re-examine their actions and inactions as it affects the unity of the country and appreciated Governor Okezie lkpeazu for his support towards the welfare of the Nigeria Legion in the State while appealing for the redemption of pledges made to the Legion among other needs confronting them.
The event which featured the formal launch of the 2022 Emblem by the Governor’s representative, members of the State executive council, Service Commanders and attracted the presence of top government officials .