By Umar Faruk, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris have launched emblem with Twenty Million Naira to the State chapter of Nigerian Legion to mark the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration .
Governor Nasir Idris announced the kind gesture at the launching of emblem and as well as the remembrance day of the fallen heroes to mark commencement of the celebration on Friday in Birnin Kebbi.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida , Gov. Nasir Idris acknowledged that it was apt to show respect to the fallen Heroes and remember those gallant officers of the Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives to keep Nigeria and the world at peace and safe .
The Governor further commended officers and men of the military and other security agencies currently engaged in combat against insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality.
He remarked that the occasion called for sober reflection and pledged continued support to the legion to cater for the ex-servicemen and their families needs.
The governor announced the allocation of Hajj seat to the legion for this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia and promised to look into the issue of land allocation for the construction of Secretariat for the ex-servicemen.
He affirmed that the State Government would continue to involve them in the security architecture of the state including membership of the State security committee.
‘ I want to point out that the Special Adviser on Security to the Government is a retired military officer ‘, he averred.
Introducing the commencement of the emblem appeal week, the Head of Service, Alhaji Sufyanu Garba Bena said this has been an annual event from 12th to 15th January every year to commomerate the nation’s compatriots and honor living veterans of the military.
Earlier, the Chairman Kebbi chapter of the Nigerian Legion, rtd Sergeant Garba Hassan Suru affirmed support and loyalty of ex-servicemen to the administration of Governor Nasir Idris.
While commending Governor for his fatherly care to members of the legion and their families. He appealed for assistance from the government for the completion of the Headquarters of the legion and Hajj seat as obtained last year.
He also solicited for land allocation to the legionnaires in the state capital, Birnin Kebbi and in other local Government Areas of the State.
Equally, Commissioners made a donation of One Million Naira with similar amount from the Twnty one local Government chairmen.
The Chairman of the Legion also decorated the Deputy Governor with appeal emblem to signify the commencement of the Armed Forces Remembrance celebration.
