Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.
Kogi State Government has expressed appreciation to the Legion of ex Servicemen for their bravery and sacrifices which have rendered for the corporate existence of the country.
Kogi state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello made the commendation on Thursday in Lokoja at the launch of the Emblem for the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy Chief Edward David Onoja showered encomium on the legion for their commitment to the attainment of the unity and peaceful coexistence of the country as demonstrated during the trying period of unfortunate Nigerian civil war.
He also saluted the gallantry of the Nigerian troops for their roles in the continental and global peace keeping operations where they demonstrated discipline, courage and professionalism in war fare.
While promising that the state government would not abandon them, Chief Onoja assured their requests presented by the leaders of the ex servicemen to the Governor, would be addressed without delay as the governor is committed to security matters.
The Deputy Governor also thanked them for the roles they played to ensure the re – election of the present administration to reciprocate good things they have done by improving on their welfare and even do more.
Earlier in his address, the State Chairman of the Legion, Warrant Officer David Salawu (retd) had expressed gratitude to Governor Yahaya Bello for the implementation of the monthly subvention to the Local Government Legion Offices, securing of befitting office accommodation for them and other things that have made life meaningful for the members.
He also appealed for the increment in subvention to the State Legion office among other requests to make the legion more comfortable.
In his address, the State Security Adviser, Navy Comamnder Jerry Omodara also applauded the current administration for taking issues that concerned the welfare of the legion members seriously, and expressed gratitude on their behalf.
Other speakers, including the Makama of Lokoja, Rtd Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dirisu who praised members of the Legion for volunteering to lay their lives for their father land. He also solicited public assistance for members to make life meaningful for the loved ones they left behind.
Present at the occasion were the Grand Khadi of the State Sharia Court, Justice Abdulkareem Aruwa, the President, Kogi State Customary Court, Justice Shaibu Ibrahim, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Sunday Faleke.
Other government officials that graced the launch include Heads of security agencies in the state and former political office holders, among others.
