The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has lauded the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifices, including the supreme sacrifice paid by members of the armed forces, saying that the Enugu State Government would continue to support them in their efforts to make the country safe.

Mbah, who assured that the sacrifices of the fallen heroes would not be in vain, however, urged Nigerians to eschew all expressions of hate and acts of violence and insecurity. He stressed that only by so doing would the country truly reciprocate the gallantry of the servicemen and honour the memory of those who paid the supreme price in the service of the fatherland.

The governor gave the commendations and assurances at the laying of wreaths and parade at the Okpara house, Enugu, to conclude the series of events  marking the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

He said, “As we are all aware, the Remembrance Day celebration is an annual event to honour the memory of the brave men and women of the Armed Forces, who have paid the supreme sacrifice to ensure that we and countless others across the globe can continue to live in freedom.

“These selfless men and women whom we remember, and honor today gave their lives in operations ranging from the Nigerian Civil War and the numerous internal security operations across the country today to various peacekeeping operations in places as far as Chad, Somalia, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra Leone and many others.

“The sacrifices of these our dear departed defenders are most certainly not lost on us, and our only responsibility as the beneficiaries of their great labour of love can only be to ensure that their high price is ultimately not paid in vain.

“Consequently, we must constantly rededicate ourselves to the duty of maintaining peace and security across our great Nation, not only by eschewing all expressions of hate or acts of violence and insecurity, but also by supporting our brothers and sisters in the security agencies.

“In line with this, this administration will certainly continue to support the men and women of our security services in the state.

“I join you all in praying for the repose of the souls of members of the Armed Forces that made the supreme sacrifice in service of the country and humanity. May their gentle souls rest in perfect and eternal peace. Amen.”

Dr. Mbah thanked members of the armed forces and security agencies for the relative peace and stability that now prevail in the state and enjoined them to continue to show utmost discipline and patriotism.

“I would also like to, once again, restate our profound gratitude, on behalf of the Government and people of Enugu State, to the Commanders, officers, soldiers and air men of 82 Division Nigerian Army and 553 Base Services Group Nigerian Air Force as well as the members of the other security agencies for their untiring sacrifice towards securing lives and property of the citizens of Enugu State.

“The current environment of relative peace and tranquillity we are enjoying in Enugu State is due in no small measure to your efforts, which are most appreciated and will never be taken for granted.

“I also commend the officers, men, and women of the security agencies for the cordial relationships they have maintained with their various host communities across the state.

“I enjoin you all to remain the disciplined, competent, and gallant officers we have always known you to be,” Mbah said.

He wished members of the armed forces and their families a great 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.

The colourful event, which also witnessed the release of pigeons by the governor as a symbol of peace and love, was attended by heads of the other arms of government and the military formations in the state such as the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu; Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Ozoemenam Afojulu; and the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major Gen. Hassan Taiwo Dada, represented by the Garrison Commander, Brigadier General Murtala Abu.

Others were the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Police Command, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu; the Commander, 553 Base Service Group (BSG), Nigerian Air Force, Commodore S.A Eyoma,  among others.