Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Monday led government functionaries and heads of security agencies to lay the wreath in memory of the supreme sacrifices of the fallen heroes who died protecting the sovereignty of the country.
The Governor performed the ceremony at the Pantami Township Stadium alongside top Government functionaries.
During the ceremony, the Governor appreciated the military and all the security agencies for paying the supreme sacrifice for the people to live in peace.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Manassah Daniel Jatau, Ph.D, the Governor called on the general public to support the families of the fallen soldiers and to assist those incapacitated in the cause of fighting to ensure that peace reigns.
He said, “There is no gain saying the fact that peace, peace and peace is of great desire in all human groups, as it is necessary for human activities to thrive. It is on account of this that world bodies for example the United Nations, Religious and Humanitarian Organisations and even individuals have been working and, in some cases, praying for peace in our families, groups, our states and even our nations. Our experience today in Nigeria challenges us all to do all we can for peace to reign”.
“Much as this has been the reality, many people usually forget those that have worked for peace to be attained and are still pursuing that course. Unfortunately, in the pursuit of this noble course many have paid the supreme price of loosing their lives, leaving their dependents in misery. Some that were fortunate and did not pay the supreme price are either maimed or suffering from permanent disabilities that has hindered them from engaging in any activities to earn a living”.
“My dear esteem lovers of Gombe State and humanity, it is for these fellow human beings that have paid the supreme price, incapacitated, widowed, and orphaned that the 15th of January annually has been set aside in Nigeria. For reasons beyond our control, we in Gombe are today marking two events;
The launching of the Emblem to support those alive but were impacted negatively or incapacitated directly or indirectly by the sacrifice of their loved ones,.and Laying of Wreath in remembrance of our fallen heroes who of course paid the supreme price while ensuring peace in the communities or nation”.
He noted the need for all and sundry to identify with the families of the fallen heroes in their pains by supporting them.
” Such acts are some of the ways that we the living can embark on to remember the fallen heroes, veterans, widows and orphans. This has been a long time tradition and we are enjoined to donate generously so that the Nigerian Legion can render assistance to the needy families of the fallen heroes and veteran alike”.
“While this has been solely an event about the fallen heroes of the military, events and happenings in today’s warfare in which all Security Agencies (Military, Police, Civil Defence, Customs, Immigration.NDLEA, SSS and even Volunteers of War groups) are involved in the usual Task Forces or Joint Task Force, the nation is challenged to expand the scope currently in existence. I therefore thank all the Security Agencies here for the peace that exist in our State Gombe. As the pursue of peace is through security, we must all know and accept that security is very crucial to be left only to the Security Agencies or Law Enforcements Agents as some scholars refer to them. It is on this note that I call on all the residents in Gombe to please cooperate, support and help the statutory security personnel and those in authority with timely information to prevent the occurrence of incidents, rather than reporting late, when the harm must have been carried out”.
“I thank most sincerely those that are moved to donate either in cash, kind and services to the Nigerian Legion, just as I urge the Leaders of the Legion to be transparent in the utilitisation of whatever is realised”.
The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs , Hon. Abdullahi Bello said the ceremony is a testimony of government’s commitment to honour the fallen heroes who laid down their lives in service to humanity during the first and second world wars, and the Nigeria Civil War, peace support and internal security operations.
He said, the ceremony provides an opportunity for sober reflections on what live should have been without their patriotism, doggedness and courage even in the face of danger where many lost their lives, while others still carry their scars and emotional trauma from their experiences.
He appealed to all and sundry to donate generously to the Nigerian Legion by buying the emblem and wearing them with pride in order to honour the veterans who devoted their lives to secure the nation and the world at large.
The Chairman Nigeria Legion, Gombe Chapter, Sgt. Adamu Dogo ( rtd) appreciated the Gombe State Government for supporting the members and families of the fallen heroes especially for redeeming their Five million naira pledged during the 2023 Armed Forces Emblem Appeal Fund.
He appealed to the Government to consider assisting the legion with an office accommodation and official vehicles also calling on the people to support the legion.
The ceremony featured wreath laying, release of pigeons signifying peace and drama presentations.
The event was attended by top Goverment officials.
Jack.A.Tasha
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity,
(Deputy Governor’s office)
