Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has emphasised the need for Nigerians to unite in prayer for the unity, peace and development of the country, as the Nigerian Armed Forces mark their 2019 remembrance day.
Ambode said on Sunday that the armed forces day, which is marked January 15 of every year, must be a constant reminder of great sacrifices that ex-service men and gallant fallen heroes had made and continue to make to secure the country.
Represented by his commissioner for special duties and inter-governmental relations, Oluseye Oladejo, during an inter- denominational church service, hele at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Ambode said Nigerians must learn to tolerate and accommodate one another, as consequences of war “are always devastating.”
while praying for safe return of those in various battlefields, Ambode besought God to give succour to soldiers injured at battlefields, bless the souls of the departed heroes and give comfort to the families they had left behind.
He advised that all should take pride in our multiplicity and regard it as our strength.
He said the armed forces remembrance day was organised to recognise the sservices that had been rendered by the departed soldiers, to encourage and motivate officers still in active service, pray for the soul of late soldiers and pray for the nation for peace and development.
Toyin Awoseyi, the permanent secretory, whose ministry of home affairs, coordinated the event, same Governor Ambode “has always been supportive in promoting the welfare of the legionnaires and families of fallen uniformed men.
“For instance in 2017, the governor gave N5 million and in 2018, he gave the sum of N25 million along with trailer-load of bags of rice; among others to them.
Some of governor Ambode’s other interventions to improve the condition of ex-service men and that of families of fallen heroes were: surgery as well as other medical assistance, empowering equipment and employment she said.
Chairman of Legionaries, Lagos chapter, Samuel Fola Akande prayed for his late counterparts and the families they left behind, while appreciating the support of Lagos State government.
In his on sermon, the officiating minister, Olu Oladokun, along with other spiritual fathers, in the church service, prayed for continuation of peace in Lagos and for reconciliation of the nation.
JOSHUA BASSEY
