Nigeria’s National Assembly has expressed its commitment to providing enhanced support for the families of Nigeria’s fallen heroes on the occasion of the 2024 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, conveyed this assurance during an interview with State House correspondents following the wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the day. He emphasised that the ceremony serves to remind the families that they are not alone, and the government shares in their grief. He pledged continuous prayers for solace and provision for the children and siblings left behind.
Akpabio stated, “The presence of all of us is also a major significance that yes, indeed, the government of the day would never let them mourn alone.” He pledged efforts to ensure the welfare of the families is well taken care of, aiming to mitigate the challenges witnessed in the country.
Similarly, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, echoed the commitment of the entire National Assembly to stand with the families of the fallen heroes. He emphasised, “They should know that what they are doing is a noble cause, and we will be with them all the way. We will support them all the way; I will ensure that their siblings are not left alone.”
“That is a commitment from the National Assembly, as you have learned from our Senate President. We will do everything humanly possible to improve the welfare of the families of the fallen heroes and the active men and women in the field,” he added.
The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for supporting the families of those who sacrificed their lives for the nation. He acknowledged the president’s consistent support and pledged to do their best to care for the families.
The National President of the Military Widows Association (MiWA), Mrs. Veronica Aluko, emphasised the significance of the day, noting that it refreshes the mourning for widows. She appreciated the remembrance as a tribute to the sacrifice made by the fallen heroes, calling for government and societal support.
Mrs. Aluko also highlighted the association’s effort to generate revenue through partnerships for selling small items, aiming to provide a source of livelihood for widows and support their children’s education.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, retired Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin, underscored the importance of the day in honouring the supreme sacrifice of deceased Armed Forces members. He urged the government to continue enhancing the well-being of veterans, particularly by increasing pensions to correspond with the rise in the salaries of serving members. General Jibrin also appealed for sustained financial support for the Nigerian Legion to carry out its responsibilities effectively.
