President Muhammadu Buhari, Wednesday, urged Nigerians to use its diversity as a source of strength, while avoiding actions that promote ethnic strife and differences.
The president stated this as he flagged off activities marking the 2020 Armed forces remembrance Day Celebration Emblem and Appeal Fund at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, which will culminate in the celebration of the Armed Force Day in January 2020.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration is fixed for January 15, annually, to commemorate the end of Nigeria’s 30-month bitter civil war, adding, “It reminds us of the need to guard jealously the unity of our country, which was won at a great cost.”
The president stated that “the day calls to mind the negative impact of strife and conflicts, and demands that as responsible citizens, we must at all time avoid actions that emphasise our differences.
“There is no doubt that the strength of Nigeria lies in her diversity. It behoves us therefore to engage in activities and endeavours that feed our diversity as a source of strength not weakness.”
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The day is also used majorly to acknowledge and commend the sacrifices of the fallen heroes and veterans of First and Second World Wars, Nigerian Civil War and Peace Support Operations around the world.
Aside these however, Nigeria is also currently engaged in internal security operations, battling to contain the senseless war waged against the country by the Boko Haram insurgents.
According to the president, all hands must be on deck to check the attacks on soft targets, mostly innocent Nigerians, as the “peace and security of Nigeria is non-negotiable and the security agencies must continue to do their work diligently.
“As a government, we will continue to provide necessary logistical support to ensure that our Armed Forces operate with the best modern warfare equipment, while at the same time adequately addressing the issues of their welfare.
“The nation is appreciative of the gallantry and sacrifices of Officers and Men of our Armed Forces in the campaign against insurgency and other Internal Security Operations. This has led to the return of normalcy in affected parts of the nation. The Boko Haram terrorists have been substantially defeated and degraded to the extent that they are only daring soft targets.
“We shall not rest until all our displaced persons are safely resettled into their communities without fear of further attacks. It is for this reason that the North East Development Commission and Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development were established. the executive arm of Government hereby commends the National Assembly for the passage of the Bill establishing the Commission.
“It is our hope that with prudent management of limited resources and support from wellmeaning Nigerians and Corporate bodies, the Commission working in close collaboration with the Ministry and friends abroad will be able to deliver on their mandate.”
He noted that government was mindful of its roles of providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, adding, “We will not fail to provide our citizens with an atmosphere that is de void of security threats and criminality, where life is stable and progress is certain.”
