The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has harped on the need to take advantage of the experiences of ex-service men in addressing the security challenges confronting the country.
The governor made the call after laying a wreath in honour of Nigerian fallen heroes during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
He said, “In the last few years, the challenges facing our security men are on the increase as a result of the insurgency in the country. It is important to encourage the ex-service men, letting them know that the country appreciates their sacrifices and service and for them to know that whatever happened to them in the course of discharging their duties, they will never be forgotten and their labour shall not be in vain.”
Obaseki said the state government “is mobilising everyone with experience in security services. We are utilising the experiences of the ex-service men right from the local government level and in our community policing and vigilante schemes.
“We are taking security down to the base as it is every one’s concern and responsibility. It is not only for those that had security experiences or those in uniforms.”
He added that his administration will constantly engage with the ex-service men with a view to improving their livelihoods, adding that the state government is creating opportunities for ex-service men to participate in our agricultural programmes.
“We have introduced some of our ex-servicemen into some of the opportunities created in the agricultural sector to contribute their quota to the development of the state. We continually speak with them through their commandant as we are ready to assist as a state especially in the area of offering medical assistance to them,” he said.
Other dignitaries who paid respect to the fallen heroes at the occasion include the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun; Edo State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Esther Edigin; the Commander, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Usman Bello; among others.
