By Josephine Oguntoyinbo
& Adekola Afolabi

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has described the sacrifices of Military Personnel and other security agencies in the country as the zenith of patriotism.
Akeredolu said the security personnel signed away their lives, comfort and family bond to gladly defend the territorial integrity of the country, adding that they sometimes pay the supreme sacrifice.

This is coming as the Governor disclosed that his administration was not ready to retrench workers in the state despite the financial burden the state is bearing, saying government would continue to look inwards and find a way of meeting its financial obligations.

The Governor spoke at a Church Service commemorating the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, held at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Akure, the Ondo state capital.

Akeredolu added that the Remembrance Day Celebration was to honour the departed heroes and appreciate the living ones, saying some of whom are exposed to various deprivations in the course of their services to humanity.

The Governor, again solicited generous support for the widows and dependents of the fallen heroes as well as for those who are still alive, but physically challenged.

“I enjoin all of you to donate generously through the Emblem appeal fund. It goes without saying that the proceeds from the sale of emblems are strictly for the Nigerian Legion in order for them to cater for the welfare of the ex-servicemen and the dependants of the fallen heroes.” The Governor noted.

He called on the people to conduct themselves in the most peaceful and patriotic manner and also assist the security agencies in any way possible, in securing the sunshine State.
Akeredolu disclosed that the collaborative efforts between “Amotekun Corps” and the regular security agencies in the State have reduced to barest minimum incidences of crime, and ensured that the State remains relatively peaceful.

Earlier in his sermon, entitled, “Remember me o’ God and my Deeds”, the Diocesan Bishop of Ondo, Rt. Rev Stephen Oni, said it was always good to remember those who fought for peace and unity of the country, just as he appreciated God for still keeping the country together in the face of obvious challenges.

The Bishop who explained that Nigeria is going through a terrible situation, and that our unity is being threatened every day, however, prayed God not to allow the country to sink.

While bemoaning the wanton killings, maiming and kidnapping of innocent souls in the country as well as high rate of youth unemployment, the Bishop specifically applauded the state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for always standing by his people by protecting their lives and properties.

He also stressed the need to restructure the country to address various agitations, even as he called on President Muhammadu Bihari to sign the Electoral Act into law in the interest of the nation’s electoral system.

The Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Ondo State, Brigadier General Yakubu Yahaya, represented by his Chief of Staff, Charles Zebere, who appreciated all for their support for both the serving and the fallen heroes, also promised that the armed forces would continue to do their best to sustain the peace and unity of the country.
Highlights of the event were thanksgiving, intercessory prayers for the country, the widows and dependants of the fallen heroes.

In an interview with The Hope shortly after the Service, the State Commissioner for Women affairs and Social Development,Dr Mrs Julianah Osadahun eulogised the forces who served and are still serving in various peace support operations worldwide assuring that the government will continue to support dependants of the fallen heroes.

She appreciated God for the peace in the State and for keeping Nigeria intact as one entity, calling on people to continue to raise funds for the support of Widows and children of the fallen heroes through the sales of emblems.

In his remarks, the Commander 32 Artillery Brigade,Akure, Brigadier General Y .Yahaya said that the roles played by the Nigerian Armed Forces to ensure peace and unity in the country cannot be overemphasized and prayed that God gives those of them alive the strength to carry on.

Also speaking, the State Chairman, Nigeria legions, Col. Olu Apata (RTD) called on President Mohammadu Buhari and the present administration in the state not to relent in supporting members in terms of welfare.