ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY CELEBRATION/ EMBLEM APPEAL WEEK

By Blessing Oyanimigha

The Armed Forces Remembrance day celebration/Emblem Appeal week was marked at the Gloryland Cultural Center,Yenagoa, with Gov Seriake Henry Dickson ably represented by his deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah.

The State Exco members,political appointees were also among invited guest at the epoch making event.

The Deputy Governor who was quick to apologize for the absence of the State governor owing to pressing official matters of the State was on hand to deliver the Governor's speech on the Armed Forces Remembrance day Celebration.

He said, the event was a significant one which marked the beginning of a movement that will bring peace and Unity to the State and mankind.

He further said, Governments interest in the welfare of Legionites in the State remained one of their top priority, as the legion is a well respected body of patriots and hero's, who have served the state and the nation in different capacity in times past.

Governor Dickson in his speech said, as a responsible Government, the protection as well as supporting the families of fallen hero's will continue to be the priority of Government, as a sign of appreciation for their selflessness and resilient service to the Nation.

He noted that, one of the greatest assets Nigeria has is the Armed Forces, which is filled with men and women who have dedicated their lives to serve Nigeria at all times. He said the Government is aware of some challenges facing most of the legionites and promised to look into the matter for prompt response.

He further said, the legion has within a short span, reached out to over 80 widows of fallen hero's and hoped to expand it's reach in the coming years with the help of well meaning Nigerians.

N2M was donated by Governor Seriake Dickson to the Legion, while his deputy, Gboribiogha John Jonah donated N1.5M, amongst Numerous donations made by political appointees and chairmen of LGA's present and well wisher. After which, Honorary Awards where presented to the Governor of Bayelsa State,his deputy and other dignitaries that graced the occasion.

The Governor in his closing remark through his deputy thanked dignitaries and seated guest for coming and urged everyone to donate generously to support the legion and the widows of fallen Hero's.

The President of the Legion( Bayelsa State Chapter) Mr Effiong Egirige said, the legion was formed by an act, with the purpose of bringing together retirees from the armed forces for common good.

He said, proceeds realized from the launch, will be evenly shared amongst widows of fallen hero's. He further said, the need to raise more funds was imperative as the rise of widows was astronomically.

Mr Effiong said, the Governor Seriake Dickson led administration was one to reckon with, owing to its magnanimity towards the welfare of the legionites, but like oliver twist, he pleaded for more imperatives and prompt payment of their monthly Impress as at when due.

He said, the deputy Governor is an active member of the legion and was proud to be associated with the restoration agenda of Governor Seriake Dickson, which has proven to be laudable and vision driven. He pleaded for the consideration of employment for some legionites, who are skilled and can in turn be useful to the Government and themselves.

The president of the State chapter Legion, thanked Guest seated and used the opportunity to remind those who had pledged earlier to fulfill their pledges to enable fast action to those in dire need of it.

By Blessing Oyanimigha
Special Assistant on social media/research
Bayelsa State Government