Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has canvassed special attention for widows and dependants of fallen members of the nation’s armed forces.
This was just as the governor presented cash gift to some of the widows of the fallen soldiers during this year’s parade and laying of wreaths on the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the state Government Cenotaph, Alagbaka, Akure, the state capital.
In the words of the govetrnor, “One aspect and perhaps the most significant of the celebration is the need to pay special attention to the welfare of the widows and dependant relatives of the departed ones.”
Governor Akeredolu also praised the fallen heroes for paying the supreme price for the unity of Nigeria.
He stressed that the labour of the fallen soldiers must not be in vain considering their contributions to the nation’s unity.
While claiming that his government is aware of some of the challenges confronting the Nigerian Legion, which is the umbrella body of ex-servicemen in the country, the governor promised that the requests to promote the general wellbeing of the widows and the dependants of the dead soldiers would receive attention.
His words, “The need for a vehicle for the Legion and the general welfare of the widows and dependant relatives of fallen heroes as well as those of retired and serving officers and men in this state have also been brought to our state. Some of these requests will receive immediate attention while the others will be attended to as the resources of the state improves.
“Nothing can be too much to be done for these courageous officers and men of the Armed Forces who had sacrificed their lives to preserve, protect and defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our fatherland.”
The governor, however, decried the security challenge posed by the activities of Fulani herdsmen in some parts of the country. Said he, “While the challenge of Boko Haram is yet to subside, the new challenge of herdsmen which has assumed a national dimension has reared its ugly head. This has constituted nagging pains in necks of all those in authority in this country.
“Like I have had occasions to say in the last couples of days, we will not allow any miscreant to elude with our joy in Ondo State. We are resolved to take the challenge head-on. Ondo State residents must have the space for their daily economic activities unhindered.
“The farmers, especially, will be protected and imbued with the required confidence to engage in their legitimate farming activities,” he added.