Ambode, Okowa Celebrate Armed Forces Remembrance Day

 
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos has said that the best way to honour the heroes who lost their lives for Nigeria is to remain united.

The governor said this at the armed forces Remembrance Day celebration on Friday, January 15 at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos. The celebration also coincided with the 50th anniversary of the first coup in Nigeria.

The governor said the issue of the agitation for an independent Biafra state championed by some people did not reflect the honour that Nigeria’s heroes deserved. Instead, the governor urged every Nigerian to embrace peace and unity.

On the issue of insurgency in the north east, the governor said the issue was not a threat anymore as the federal government was committed to making it a thing of the past.

“They are really not threats because they are being fully combated by the Federal Government and as you can see, we are making progress and we are having improvement on security of the country.

Lagos state Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode laying the wreaths in hornor of the falling heroes.

“So, I just want to advise Nigerians that the unity of Nigeria is more important than anything you can think of. It is only when we are united that we can make progress. You know the present administration is so particular about the development of the country. Nigeria is bigger than any individual and so we advise all Nigerians to know that the cohesion and unity of Nigeria is what is paramount to this government.”

As part of the rite for the celebration, the governor laid the wreath in honour of the dead heroes and also released balloons and white pigeons.

Other dignitaries at the remembrance celebration include the Oba of Lagos, Abraham Adaji who is the commander of NNS Beecroft, Apapa, legion representatives, representatives of widows of fallen heroes, etc.

Guns were fired in honour of the dead heroes.

Commodore Adaji said it was significant that the country remembered fallen heroes and assured Nigerians that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari was committed towards the welfare of serving and families of dead officers.

He however warned Nigerians to be careful about their utterances and also be security conscious.

The same ceremony also took place in Delta where Governor Ifeanyi Okowa laid the wreath after the inspection of guards.

Other dignitaries who laid wreath at the occasion, included, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya , the Chief Judge, Justice Marshal Umukoro, Commandants of different security agencies in the state, traditional rulers, religious leaders, chairman, Nigerian Legion.

Also, there was 21 one gun salutes in honour of the fallen heroes while pigeons were released to signify peace