President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday appealed to Nigerians in general, corporate organisations and government agencies to support and partner with the Nigerian Armed Forces in recognition of their sacrifices to the nation.
Buhari made this call on the occasion of the launching of the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund.
His words: “I also hereby launch the Partnership Scheme for the Armed Forces in which all Nigerians, corporate organizations and government agencies should support and partner with the Nigerian Armed Forces in appreciation of the sacrifices of these honourable men and women.”
The president praised the members of the Nigerian Armed Forces for the display of loyalty to the country and the commitment to ensuring a united nation.
The president said that he looked forward to a time when business concerns and service providers in the country would give special recognition and consideration for members of the Armed Forces and the cause of the veterans through different means.
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Said he: “I want to salute the gallantry, courage and sacrifices of men and women of the Armed Forces as they grapple with diverse and contemporary security challenges plaguing the country.
“I appreciate your display of unparalleled loyalty to the country and dedication to duty. Being one of you, I understand what you have to undergo. This administration will continue to do all within its power and resources to ensure that your welfare is adequately catered for.
“The noble culture of appreciation and respect for veterans and servicemen and women experienced all over the world is very much part of us in Nigeria.
“I therefore look forward to a time when business concerns and service providers in the country would give special recognition and consideration for these distinguished citizens and support the veterans’ cause in any way they can through voluntary donations, employment opportunities and welfare support.”
The president also said the government would continue to improve the capability of the Armed Forces.
“I am glad that our efforts are yielding positive results already in boosting the morale of men and women of the Armed Forces.
“We will continue to engage them in training and retraining to improve on their capacity to discharge their constitutional roles,” he added.
While also commending the Nigerian Legion maintaining comradeship of the Servicemen and servicewomen after retirement, the president called on all to donate generously to the cause of the Nigerian Legion and families of the Fallen Heroes.
“I implore all to procure and wear the emblem with pride as a way of identifying with those that laid down their lives, the incapacitated and others still who are daily in harm’s way in order to guarantee our peace and security. We will always remember them and the respect we owe them,” he appealed.
