Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu on Monday launched the Y2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem and Appeal Fund to usher in the commemoration of the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, just as he reiterated the continued support of the Government to the State Council of the Nigerian Legion.
Speaking during the launch held at the Lagos House Executive Chamber, Sanwo-Olu maintained that more support will be given to the Council as the Government is not unaware of its valuable service to the State.
He congratulated the Lagos State Council of the Nigerian legion on the kick-off of the Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, stating that the celebration is one of the cardinals of any administration which is set out to remember and honour all her fallen heroes who had served the country.
The Governor also applauded the newly elected executives of the Council saddled with the responsibility of leading the organisation to enviable heights, charging them that a lot is expected in the area of service, dedication and duty to all ex-servicemen as they must continue to display a high level of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Flagging off the Remembrance Emblem, Governor Sanwo-Olu admonished all servicemen to be more security conscious as the yuletide season sets in, adding that the safety of residents in the State during the festivities is paramount and enjoined all members of the Armed Forces to ensure a crime-free celebration for the citizens.
Earlier in his remark, the State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi noted that the Launch of the Appeal Fund for the Remembrance Emblem is an annual ceremony which precedes the commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day slated for the 15th of January at the Remembrance Arcade of the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
He disclosed that President Muhammad Buhari had at the federal level launched the Remembrance Emblem at Abuja on the 16th of November, 2022 with other State Governments following suit.
In his speech, the Commander-General and Chairman of the Lagos State Council of the Nigerian Legion, Comrade Akeem Olawale Wolimoh stated that the Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem is part of actions recognising the invaluable and gallantry contributions of all fallen heroes and veterans who have served the Nigerian Army and the responsibility of taking care of the Orphans, Widows and Dependents.
Comrade Wolimoh, on behalf of the Legion and its Auxiliary Arms in Lagos State, expressed appreciation to the Lagos Government for its consistent and immense support in the area of the provision of utility vehicles, remuneration of its personnel and other welfare monetary support.
The Chairman averred that parts of its administration’s plans are to provide and maintain hostels for Ex-Servicemen by building a 300-unit housing scheme to accommodate its old members, establish the Nigerian Legion Education and Training Corps, establish the Nigerian Legion Medical Corps to recruit and train personnel on caregiving to the aged, disabled, hospitalised and traumatised ex-servicemen in Lagos State among others.
The launch was attended by members of the State Executive Council, Members of the Lagos State Council of the Nigerian Legion, and Service Chiefs including the Commander of 651 Base Services Group, Air Commodore A. A Martins; Commander of the Nigerian Navy Beecroft, Commodore A.M Haruna; Deputy Director of the Department of Secret Service Muyiwa Odewole, and Commander of the 9th Brigade, Ikeja, Brig-General Isang Akpaumontia.
