em>Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has challenge legionnaires in the state as senior citizens to exhibit very high level of ethical values and self-discipline.
Dr. Okowa who gave the challenge, Thursday, at the launching of the Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal Fund, held at the Unity Hall, Government House Asaba, noted that this administration will not encourage any organisation that does not believe in the rule of law or respect the fundamental human rights of other citizens.
The state governor who was represented by his deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, asserted that members of the Nigerian Legion as experienced and retired ex-servicemen have the responsibility to see that peace reigns in their various communities and whatever organization they find themselves.
He noted that the government of Delta State has always demonstrated great concern for the welfare of legionnaires in the state and expressed hope that the legion would reciprocate this gesture by organizing themselves and embarking on meaningful projects and programmes that would complement the effort of government to improve the living standard of ex-servicemen.
He said the sale of the Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem which is an annual event and a tradition in the state is aimed at raising funds for the rehabilitation of orphans and widows of our fallen heroes and the surviving disabled ex-servicemen and women in the country and appealed to all Deltans to be part of the programme.
The governor urged Deltans and Nigerians in general to use this period to reflect on the need to avoid future violent conflicts in the society by doing everything possible to promote peace and harmony at all times.
“It is my hope and expectation that the present security challenges facing the nation especially in the North-Eastern and South-Eastern parts of the country do not degenerate further. I will like to use this opportunity to exhort all Nigerians to embrace dialogue and abstain from provocative utterances and action that will create tension in the country”. Okowa stated.
The governor asserted that Nigerians owe it as a duty to the nation to seek the path of peace, reconciliation, justice and equity at all times in order to create a conducive atmosphere for the consolidation of democracy in the land.
Dr. Okowa noted that the Armed forces remembrance week long celebration is designed to accord fallen heroes the honour they deserve for their sacrifices to our fatherland by laying down their lives so that peace may reign.
Earlier, the State Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Delta Chapter, Lt. Col. Daniel Amereh, in an address noted that the day’s events is to mark the flag-off of a week-long program to honour the heroes of world wars 1 and 2 and the Nigerian civil war.
Col. Amereh, noted that the annual event which provides a forum to raise funds for the welfare of disabled soldiers, widows and orphans of soldiers who died during peace-keeping mission and all over the world.
He expressed hope that members will use the occasion to reflect and forge a better understanding of their aspirations as a nation and solicited the assistance of the society.
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