By: Joshua Adinoyi
Nigerian leaders and other well-to-do individuals in the Society have been called upon to accord more attention to the welfare of family members of fallen heroes.
Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, made the call at the Climax of the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration and Laying of Wreath at the Cenotaph in Lokoja, Kogi State Capital.
Governor Bello said the fallen heroes has paid the supreme price by laying down their lives to secure others, describing such as the highest level of sacrifice among humans.
He noted that the onus lies on government officials and other well-to-do individuals to cater for the family they left behind, stressing that such will go a long way at encouraging those currently serving the Country.
“15th of January every year, is a day set aside to remember our Fallen Heroes, those who paid the supreme sacrifice so that we can live in peace and harmony
“In order for their sacrifices not to be in vain, those of us in leadership position today should always remember their families – children, wives, among others
“Even those that are serving the Country today, all day and night, standing under the rain, under the sun, entering bushes and kicking out criminals, must be encouraged, they should be well rewarded and appreciated
“I urge all our citizens to collaborate with them, provide adequate and credible information and intelligence with which we will be able to wipe criminals out of our society because if we don’t remove the criminals, the criminals will come for you” he said.
Governor Bello also appreciated all uniform men in the State for their commitment to the security of lives and property of the people of Kogi State, assuring that his government will continue to accord attention to their welfare.
He enjoined the people of the State to continue to assist security agents by providing useful information that will lead to the arrest of perpetrators of crimes in the State.
The Governor also warned politicians in the State not to hide under the Veil of politics to import criminal elements into the State, assuring that his administration will deal decisively with anyone caught in such act.
“This period is a political season but we will not mix politics with security of lives and livelihood of the citizen of our dear State
“Let no one, however how highly placed you are, take laws into their hands and hide under politics and import criminals and terrorists into our Communities
“If anyone try such, we will catch them and deal with them decisively” Gov. Bello warned.
He also encouraged serving security agents to double their efforts in the fight against crime, assuring of government‘s support at all times.
The State Security Officer, Commodore Jerry Omodara, in an interview, commended Governor Yahaya Bello for his commitment at providing enabling environment for security agents to operate in the State.
Commodore Omodara also appreciated Kogites for their efforts at providing authentic information to security agents, assuring them of a continued partnership.
On his part, the Chairman, Nigeria Legion of Ex-Service Men, Kogi State Chapter, Retired Warrant Officer David Salau, said the present administration in Kogi State has accorded attention to their welfare and also hailed members for their commitment so far.
Heads of Security Agents, Government Functionaries, Traditional Rulers, Wives and Children of fallen heroes, among others, attended the event.
The event featured 21 gun salute for the fallen heroes, Laying of Wreath, Parade, among others.
