By Amos Aar
BENUE State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has stressed the need for improved welfare for ex-servicemen and wives of fallen heroes in the State.
Governor Alia made the call when he led the speaker and members of the Benue State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, service chiefs and the diplomatic corps to honour Nigeria’s fallen and living heroes.
Represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, the governor asserted that meeting the needs of those who have put their lives in line of duty to keep the country safe is the only way they can forget their unpleasant experiences while in service.
He called for prayers for the families of deceased officers, saying their bravery and sacrifices have ensured the rest of the citizens of the country are safe, urging everyone in the society to ensure that those who served in the country’s armed forces are well taken care of.
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The governor performed the solemn laying of wreaths at the feet of unknown soldiers in company of the chief judge of the state, Tor Tiv, Och’Idoma, heads of security formations, ex-servicemen and families of fallen heroes after which twenty-one-gun salutes went into the air wave.
Alia, who described the Armed Forces Remembrance Day as a day to honour the services and unwavering commitment of members of the armed forces to the security of the country, charged the people to use the occasion to ensure peace within the state and the country as a mark of honour to the fallen heroes.
In his remarks, the speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Aondona Dajoh, represented by the majority leader, Saater Tiseer, promised to enact a law that would take care of the welfare of families of the fallen heroes in the state.
Dajoh expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the military in safeguarding the territorial sovereignty of the nation, pointing out that without their selfless sacrifices, activities of criminals would have overwhelmed the country going by the present security situation in some areas.
Also speaking, chairman, Nigerian Legion of Ex-Service men in Benue State, Sebastian Adawa, called on the federal government to establish a commission to improve the living condition of veterans and families of fallen heroes.
On her part, the coordinator of Military Widows, Benue State chapter, Mrs Dorcas Akase, who stated that life has not been easy without their husbands, thanked the governor for intervening in their welfare as she sought for more support from the citizens of Benue.
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Highlight of the event was signing of the anniversary register by the governor who released the ceremonial pigeons as a symbol of national peace and freedom.
The governor also carried out inspection of 251 personnel on parade in commemoration of the event. The celebration started with a series of activities including Jumma’at prayer on January 12, 2024 at the Central Mosque and interdenominational Christian service on January 14, 2024 at the Chapel of Grace, Government House.
