From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has presented cash gifts to some of the widows of fallen soldiers during this year’s laying of wreaths at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Alagbaka, Akure, the state capital.
The governor also canvassed special attention for the widows and dependants of fallen members of the nation’s armed forces.
He said: “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.”
Akeredolu also praised the fallen heroes for paying the supreme price for the unity of the country.
He stressed that the labour of the fallen soldiers must not be in vain considering their contributions to the nation’s unity.
While he admitted that his administration is aware of some of the challenges confronting the Nigerian Legion, the governor promised that the requests to promote the general well-being of the widows and the dependants of the dead soldiers would receive attention.
“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 sacrificed their lives to preserve, protect and defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our fatherland.”
Akeredolu, however, decried the security challenge posed by the activities of Fulani herdsmen in some parts of the country.