The Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma on Tuesday launched the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem, using the opportunity to urge the leadership of the Legion to be proactive and pragmatic.

Performing the ceremony at the New Executive Chambers, Government House Owerri, the Governor said the Emblem Appeal Fund Launching was important, not only to the Armed Forces but to the entire Nigerians.

"This is because the proceeds of the Emblem Appeal will be used to cater for the widows and children of the fallen heroes and the Nigeria Legion who have served their fatherland."

Governor Uzodimma said that "the way Nigerians handle the widows, their children and the retired members of the Armed Forces will spur the serving officers within and outside Nigeria to put in their best and perform more."

Consequently, he encouraged the leadership of the legions and wives of fallen heroes to be more proactive, proficient and pragmatic in their day-to-day activities.

On behalf of government and people of Imo State, Governor Uzodimma promised to continue to support the programmes and activities of the Nigerian Legion, enjoining members to consider his government a willing partner that will always support their course.

He reassured of the State's support in their activities in agricultural and technological endeavour that will encourage and enhance their wellbeing.

“We cannot take it for granted or forget the sacrifices you made to the nation that have kept Nigeria one and protected the sovereignty and unity of the Nation.”

Governor Uzodimma prayed God to "continue to protect and provide for members of the Armed Forces, Nigerian Legion and their wives, the wives and children of the fallen heroes and continue to bring peace, prosperity and abundance to the Nigerian Nation."

In her welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Vulnerable Group, Mrs. Nkechinyere Ugwu, explained that in sympathy with the wives of the fallen heroes, her Ministry has, through the Office of the Wife of the Governor, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, empowered over 3000 widows in the past one year.

She promised, on behalf of the government, to continue to carry the widows and children of the fallen heroes along in all State activities.

In his address of welcome, the Chairman of Nigerian Legion, Imo State/ Zonal Chairman South East, Comrade Anyanwu Alphonsus said that "the Armed Forces Remembrance Day events are put together to remind us that the labours of our heroes past were not in vain."

"The events are also put together to give physiological reassurance and motivation to the serving soldiers, to put in their best in the service of their fatherland, as they observe that fallen heroes are always remembered, celebrated and their dependants catered for by the Government and people of good will."

He said there are two ways we can show our gratitude to the heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice - to REMEMBER them and secondly, to TAKE CARE of the families and colleagues they left behind.

He appealed for support from the public, by patronizing their security services which he said are meant to serve as security men to homes, offices and other facilities.

He seized the opportunity to present a catalogue of pressing needs of the Legion to the government and people of Imo State.

They include: operational vehicles, lack of funds, permanent sites and office building to enhance their day-to-day activities.

Comrade Anyanwu pleaded with the esteemed guests not to relent in redeeming whatever pledge they make to support their activities.

In a vote of thanks, the Secretary, Nigeria Legion Imo State, Major Nicholas Ejinfugha (rtd) thanked the Governor and the guests for making the 2022 Emblem Appeal Fund Launching a success.

Present at the occasion were the Hon. Member representing Okigwe South in the Federal House of Representatives, Deacon. Chike Okafor, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Barr. COC Akaolisa, and other members of State Expanded Exco.

All Service Chiefs in Imo State, members of the Nigeria Legion and the leadership of wives fallen heroes were also in attendance.

•PHOTO: Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State being decorated with the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem by Imo State Chairman of Nigerian Legion/Zonal Chairman, South East, Comrade Alphonsus Anyanwu at the New Executive Chambers Government House Owerri at the launch of the Emblem . . . Tuesday

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