The Kwara State Government has called for an end to insurgency by Boko Haram and other security challenges in the country.
The state Deputy Governor, Elder Peter Kisira, made the call yesterday while speaking at an interdenominational church service to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day at Unity Baptist Church, Unity road, Ilorin.
This was contained in the press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Bunmi Adedoyin.
Kisira implored those dissatisfied with the system to explore the option of continued dialogue and discussion, which is in tune with best practices.
He noted that the people have a lot to gain in the continued corporate existence of the nation, explaining that it was incumbent on all Nigerians to work together to keep the nation one.
He commended the commitment of the Armed Forces and the Legion of ex-servicemen for keeping the flag of fallen heroes flying.
Kisira called on Nigerians to intensify their prayers to focus most importantly on internal security, socio-political and economic development, good governance as well as peaceful and successful conduct of the forthcoming general elections in the country and the state in particular.
In his message titled “Five words to remember” Rev. Simon Kolawole of the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, condemned the wanton killings and the non-payment of the entitlement of fallen heroes to their families several years after their demise, describing such among others as injustice.
He called on the government to pay workers handsomely as being enjoyed by political office holders and urged Nigerians to sacrifice for the Nation to actualise her potential.
The state CAN Chairman, Evangelist Timothy Opoola charged the people to have the fear of God to exterminate the various vices in the Country.
Opoola, who is a Professor of Mathematics, University of Ilorin, urged the political class not to make the forthcoming elections a do or die affair.
Earlier, the host Pastor, Reverend Idowu Ibitoye described as disturbing the killings in some parts of the country, calling on the people not to relent in praying for peace to continue to reign in the land.
Reverend Ibitoye who is the state CAN Secretary, stated that the military and the church must always partner together to ensure peaceful co-existence and peaceful conduct of the forthcoming general elections.
The service also featured scriptural readings taken by the heads of the various security agencies in the state and the rendition of special songs by the host choir titled “let peace reign”.
…ex-service men appeal to govt, NGO on funds
By Matthew Denis
The Chairman Legion of Ex-Service Men Kwara State council, Brig. General Aliyu Akano has called on all tiers of government and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) to support the families of fallen heroes through funds donation.
He made the disclosure during the occasion of Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Emblem Appeal Week held in Ilorin last Thursday.
According to him, the essence of the annual event was to remember and raise funds for the families of fallen heroes who lost their lives during the second world war, Nigerian civil war and peace keeping operations in African countries as well as insurgency in some parts of Nigeria.
He said, “Also our colleagues who suffered various degree of injuries as a result of different wars fought in the past.”
Akano appealed to government at all levels and meaningful Nigerians to come to their aid having spent their youthful and productive years in the service of their fatherland.
In his remarks, the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed urged philanthropists to donate generously to the coffers of the Ex-service men with a view to ensuring the welfare of their members.
The Governor, who was represented by the Head of Service, Mrs Susan Oluwole stressed the need for generous donation for the upkeep of families of fallen heroes and incapacitated ones.
According to the governor, “We must always remember that, the gallant heroes’ and heroine we are honouring made the supreme sacrifice so that we may live in peace and harmony as one nation.
“We therefore, have the duty to show our appreciation by contributing generously towards the upkeep of their families. This is one of the many ways by which their loved ones can feel that the departed did not die in vain.
“This administration acknowledges the invaluable contribution of the Ex-servicemen for holding the peace, unity and progress of our great nation in particular and the world in general.
“We therefore salute your courage, chauvinism, patriotism and selfless sacrifices. As a testimony to this, I wish to assure you all that this administration will do its best, as always, towards enhancing the welfare of your members in this state.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Taibat Ayinde Ahmed said, “this is a testimony and acknowledgement that the Governor recognised the roles played by the ex-service men both living and dead to socio-political and economic development of Nigeria.”
She added that without the efforts of gallant heroes, unity, peace and steady development which were the features of Nigeria polity today, would have been a tall dream. ” It is my sincere hope that the labour of heroes past shall not be in vain”.
