Ambode drums support for military to boost war against insurgency

…Launches Armed Forces Remembrance Appeal Emblem

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday advocated the need for acknowledgement of the gallant and bravery efforts of officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces both in protecting the territorial integrity of the nation and keeping the country united. Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House, Marina, while launching the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal, also emphasized the need for all citizens to appreciate the gallant fallen heroes through donations for the welfare and upkeep of the families they left behind, especially their widows and children.

According to the Governor, such acknowledgement was needed not just in the spirit of showing appreciation for what has been done in the past, but also to assure those that are still in active service that their efforts and sacrifices would not be in vain. The Governor said that the appreciation was imperative particularly at this period that the nation is faced with the challenges of terrorism and insurgency in parts of the country.

He said: “As we speak, officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces are on the battlefield”. “They have continued to demonstrate bravery, courage and valour in order to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation. They do this on our behalf so that we may continue to live in peace and security.” “As we flag off this remembrance week celebration with the emblem appeal launch, I urge you all, especially our corporate organizations to donate generously to this noble cause in recognition of the sacrifices of our fallen heroes,” Governor Ambode said.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Grace Oladimeji, in her welcome address, announced the activities lined up by the State Government to mark the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, explaining that the programme of events would start on Friday, January 8, 2016 with a Jumat Service at the Alausa Secretariat Mosque by 12: 30pm, while a church service would take place onSunday, January 10, 2016 by 10am at the Chapel of Christ the Light, also in Alausa.

She further revealed that the grand finale will take place on January 15, 2016 at the Remembrance Arcade in Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos by 9am. On his part, Chairman of Lagos State Branch of Nigerian Legion, Colonel Samuel Akanbi (Rtd) praised Governor Ambode for his efforts at rapidly transforming the State, and noted with appreciation, the several number of roads so far rehabilitated by the government.

He said the touch of Governor Ambode’s administration has been felt in every part of Lagos, adding that such was commendable. He, however, urged the State Government to look into their plights and also consider engaging members of the Legion in the security plans of the State, a request which the Governor said would be positively looked into.

The event was attended by top security chiefs including Commander, 9 Mechanised Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Mohammed Sabo; Commander, Navy Ship Beecroft, Apapa, Navy Commodore Abraham Adaji; Commander, 435 Base Service Group, Ikeja, Air Commodore Danladi Santa Bausa; Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, among others, while members of the State Executive Council were led by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Mrs Idiat Oluranti Adebule.