President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that he will not allow the families of soldiers who lost their lives in the battle with Boko Haram insurgents to suffer want and deprivation.
“The unfortunate cost of the war against insurgency and other Internal Security Operations, is the loss of lives of some of our officers and men in the Armed Forces. These very sad occurrences create deep wounds to loved ones. It is, therefore, our duty to ensure that the loss of these bread winners does not relegate the spouses and dependents to a life of want and deprivation. Government will do all in its powers to look after the bereaved.”
President Buhari, who spoke today, October 16, at the launching of the 2020 Armed Forces remembrance Day emblem in Abuja, Nigeria called on the Service leaders to steps to settle the entitlements of these affected citizens as well as the welfare packages designed for their dependants.
“It is the responsibility of government to ensure that the families of our fallen heroes do not suffer the loss of their loved ones and at the same time be deprived of their due benefits.
“To ensure that our veterans continue to share the comradeship that existed while in Service and adequately cater for their welfare at exit, the Federal Government established the Nigerian Legion. It is delightful to note that the Legion is carrying out initiatives in transportation, agriculture, housing and other ventures in partnership with the private sector.”
The President expressed happiness that the Legion has continued to be a rallying point of veterans and has done its part in catering for the welfare of their ailing members.
“I enjoin the leadership of the Legion to continue in this spirit. I also urge Nigerians to accord them the needed support, friendship and patronage.
“As the Grand Patron of the Nigerian Legion, I wish to pledge my continued support and that of the Federal Government to the organisation. My appreciation goes to the State Governors who are patrons in their respective States for the support they are providing to the Legion.”
Buhari appealed to government agencies at the Federal and State levels to continue to patronise services of Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires in the provision of security services, adding that the potentials of the ex-servicemen are enormous and the economy can tap into this for national development.
“As I launch the emblem shortly, I wish to call on all Nigerians and others resident in Nigeria to procure and wear the emblems with pride to identify with those who laid down their lives for the peace and security of our fatherland. I encourage all to donate generously in support of our veterans and dependants of fallen heroes.
