By Adedotun Ajayi

The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to honouring the sacrifices of Nigeria’s Armed Forces by launching the Emblem Appeal Fund for the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.

The event, held on Tuesday at the Cocoa Conference Centre, Governor’s Office, Akure, marked the commencement of activities to honour the nation’s fallen heroes and support veterans.

During the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the emblem as a symbol of gratitude and a pledge to support those who have served the nation.

“The launch of this emblem is not just a ceremonial act; it is a solemn pledge to support our veterans, provide them with the recognition they deserve, and honour the values for which they have fought so bravely,” he said.

He announced a state donation to the Nigerian Legion, Ondo State Chapter, as part of efforts to improve the welfare of ex-servicemen, widows, and dependents of fallen heroes.

The governor also commended the professional conduct of security agencies during the recent gubernatorial election, which saw him secure a landslide victory.

Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted the importance of collective contributions to the appeal fund, urging corporate organisations, government institutions, and individuals to make generous donations.

He expressed gratitude to local government councils, civil servants, and organisations that supported last year’s celebration and encouraged those yet to redeem their pledges to do so.

“On our part, as a responsible and responsive government, we shall not shy away from paying attention to the welfare of widows and dependent relatives of our fallen heroes, within the limits of our resources,” he said.

“We are quite aware of the untold hardship faced by the wives, children, and dependent relatives of the fallen heroes due to the loss of their loved ones and breadwinners. We are also aware of the challenges faced by those incapacitated as a result of their involvement in the defence of our motherland.

“Let me assure you all that the widows of our departed heroes will continue to be considered for empowerment to ensure that they live socially acceptable lives,” he added.

The governor outlined the upcoming events for the remembrance celebration, including a Jummat Service on Friday, 10 January 2025; a Christian Service on Sunday, 12 January 2025; and a Military Parade and Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Government Cenotaph, Alagbaka, Akure, on Monday, 15 January 2025.

“As we wear this emblem with pride and reverence, let us remember the fallen, honour the living, and support those who continue to serve. We must never forget the debt we owe to our veterans and always strive to uphold the values of freedom, justice, and democracy for which they fought,” he stated.

Earlier, in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Lola Fagbemi, expressed gratitude to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support for initiatives aimed at improving the lives of veterans and their families.

She emphasised the significance of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, describing it as an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of military personnel who laid down their lives for the nation.

Fagbemi further highlighted the importance of collective efforts in ensuring that the welfare of ex-servicemen and their dependents remains a priority, calling on all stakeholders to support the emblem appeal fund generously.

“Every contribution, no matter how small, has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our veterans and the families of our fallen heroes. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that those who have selflessly served our nation with courage and dedication are not forgotten,” she said.

“Their sacrifices have safeguarded our peace and freedom, and it is only right that we honour their legacy by supporting them in their time of need. Let us join hands to show our gratitude and ensure that their service to the nation is forever remembered and appreciated,” she added.

Also delivering an address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Ondo State Chapter, Col. Olu Apata (Rtd), applauded the state government for its continued commitment to the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families. He described the emblem as a symbol of patriotism and unity, urging citizens to wear it with pride as a mark of respect for the sacrifices of the Armed Forces.

Col. Apata further called on corporate bodies and individuals to contribute to the appeal fund, stressing that such support goes a long way in alleviating the challenges faced by retired military personnel and the dependents of fallen heroes. He concluded by pledging the Nigerian Legion’s readiness to partner with the government in advancing the welfare of its members.

In attendance were Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff Segun Omojuwa, APC State Chairman Ade Adetimehin, Head of Service Bayo Philip, members of the state executive council, traditional rulers, military officers, and representatives of the Nigerian Legion.