Mr Igbekele Akinriwa, Chairman, Okitipupa Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo State, has commended the gallantry of Nigerian soldiers who died while fighting various wars in the defence of the country.
Akinriwa, who extolled the fallen heroes during the celebration of the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Okitipupa, also appreciated those who survived the wars.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) is celebrated every Jan. 15, to remember fallen heroes who laid their lives for the territorial defence and sovereignty of Nigeria.
Akinriwa said that the Nigeria Army had always presented its shoulders for Nigerians to lay on in making sure our territorial integrity was not hampered.
He said that many soldiers paid supreme price in the course of defending our fatherland, adding that some were maimed, handicapped and others died leaving their families prematurely.
The council boss said that government would continue to remember the families of the fallen heroes who had laid down their lives for the peace and unity of the country.
“Many fallen heroes laid down their lives for the sovereignty, unity and peace of this country. Some were maimed, some handicapped and their children and wives became hopeless.
“We are celebrating them today for paying the supreme price and government will do its best to ensure that their families are taken care of.
“I charge the military not to relent on their oars in fighting against Boko Haram insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, pipeline vandals and other vices militating against the security of this country,” Akinrinwa said.
Also speaking, Corp. Maj. Kayode Olatunde, the Chairman of Nigeria Legion, Okitipupa LGA, urged the government to continue to do its best in remembering and giving priority to the welfare of families of fallen heroes and the Legion.
NAN reports that traditional rulers, politicians, government functionaries and other para-military personnel among others, attended the event. (NAN)
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