Speaking during the launch of the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance and Emblems Appeal Week in the state, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, noted that the “great” patriots deserve the honour and credit being accorded to them because of their outstanding contributions to the nation.
The governor reassured those still in service, that the country would never forget their sacrifices nor forsake them in their own hours of need.
Gov. Ugwuanyi congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Military “for the gallantry of our servicemen as well as the successes that they have continued to record in the battlefields and against the security challenges currently confronting our dear nation”.
While offering the servicemen the sincere gratitude, goodwill, solidarity and unrelenting prayers of the state government, the governor also commended the Enugu State Council of the Nigerian Legion for the many bold initiatives it has continued to take towards improving the welfare of its members.
He assured the council of the continued support and assistance of the state government and called on the citizens of the state, corporate organizations, and civil institutions, to support the Legion by “donating generously and cheerfully” to ensure the proper rehabilitation of its members as well as the dependants of the fallen heroes.
Earlier in his address, the chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Enugu State Council, Barr. Emeka Igwesi, who emphasized the need for the support and sustenance of the wellbeing of the ex-servicemen, expressed gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for “his exceptional concern in the affairs of ex-servicemen in Enugu State”.
Barr. Igwesi said that the governor’s support and welfare gesture have given the state Legion a sense of belonging and placed the body ahead of several other Legions in the country.
“While we talk of the good things His Excellency, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has been doing for the Legion in Enugu State, he keeps on designing further good things for the ultimate wellbeing of ex-servicemen in the state.
“The Veteran Affairs Division (VAD), the Ministry of Defence and the National Legion are happy with His Excellency for reviving the Legion in the state. Your Excellency, your good heartedness and charity could never be forgotten by the Legion in the state”, the State Legion Chairman said.
Barr. Igwesi explained that the Emblems Appeal Week event was “an annual ritual” designed by “the Nigerian Government to help our ex-servicemen and women who have served this country meritoriously”, adding that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration offers the country the opportunity to show concern and support to the fallen heroes and veterans.