Niger State Governor and Chairman of North Central States Governors Forum (NCSGF), Abubakar Sani Bello has acknowledged that ‘inaccessibility’ to some individuals by officers of the Nigeria Legion in the state may have posed a serious challenge in the efforts to redeem many pledges made to them over the years.
Governor Sani Bello asserted the 2023 annual Nigeria Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the permanent Cenotaph, Minna.
The Governor, who expressed concern and also frowned at those individuals and groups who deliberately or otherwise failed to redeem their pledges to the Legionnaires, said such an attitude undermines the significance of the annual event.
He, therefore, directed that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government coordinate with the state chapter of the Nigeria Legion and see how the ex-servicemen could gain access and put pressure on those individuals to redeem their pledges.
Governor Sani Bello stated that the state government has remained committed to the welfare and maintenance of the ex-servicemen and wives of the fallen heroes in appreciation of the gallantry and sacrifices made to keep our nation at peace.
“It’s a must that they are properly taken care of. As a government, we have tried to see how we can support them. We cannot solve all their problems, but we must support them, and we have been trying our best”, the Governor stated.
The Governor also disclosed that the state government has and will continue to enroll wives of the fallen heroes into skills acquisition programs to make them self-reliant with sustainable means of livelihood.
The Wreath laying ceremony was performed by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello along with the Speaker House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Bawa as represented by Member representing Paikoro Constituency, Hon. Suleiman Gambo Rabiu, the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik and the State Chairman Council of Traditional Rulers, Etsu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar III as represented by HRH. Etsu Again, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu.
Others who laid the Wreath are Heads of Security Chiefs in the state including the Commander TRADOC NA represented by Major General S. Ibrahim; Commander 31Art. Bde – Major General Y. Yahaya; Commander 013QRF NAF – Air Commodore I. Ayo; the State Police Commissioner; State Chairman Nigeria Legion, Alhaji M.A Ahmed and representative of widows of the Fallen Heroes, Hajiya Hadiza Tamba.
Highlights of the event were the release of Pigeons signifying freedom and peace of the nation, Gun salutes, and Reveille (paying last respect in honor of the fallen heroes).
The Governor later exchanged pleasantries with the ex-servicemen and widows of the fallen heroes.
Mary Noel-Berje
Chief Press Secretary to
the Governor, Niger State.
