Despite the ongoing pro-Biafran protests rocking some parts of the country, President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said Nigerians had resolved to remain one.
He said the fact that the country witnessed a lot of internal strife and a civil war since independence and has remained united was a proof of the people’s resolve to remain one.
Buhari spoke during the launch of the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said he was proud to address the gathering in honour of those who he said devoted their lives to the service of the country and the world at large.
The President said, “Today’s occasion reminds us of the need to appreciate the noble contributions of our fallen heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice to maintain national and international peace and security.
“Our nation has recently celebrated 55 years of political independence and continues to remain as one indivisible entity despite several grievous challenges.
“Since independence, Nigeria has witnessed a lot of internal strife, survived a civil war and has remained united.
“This feat achieved by the country is an eloquent testimony to the determination of our citizens to remain as one people.
“The sacrifices of our fallen heroes, heroines and veterans who rose up to the security challenges cannot go un-noticed.”
While describing the current terrorism challenge as a trying time for Nigeria, Buhari described the theme of this year’s remembrance, “Motivating the Nigerian Armed Forces for Effective Service Delivery” as very apt for the current realities.
He lauded men of the nation’s Armed Forces for their courage and sacrifices in grappling with the wave of terrorism, oil theft and piracy in some parts of the country, saying they had displayed unalloyed loyalty and commitment to Nigeria.
The President said considering the situation and conditions under which some of the men of the Armed Forces died or suffered physical incapacitation, it behoves Nigerians who are living beneficiaries of their sacrifice to contribute towards the welfare and sustenance of their dependants.
He said the citizens’ modest effort would go a long way to demonstrate the nation’s depth of gratitude and ameliorate their present condition.
The President commended the Nigerian Legion, which is the umbrella body of the veterans, for their continued contributions to the growth and development of the country.
He also lauded them for their steadfastness, perseverance and exemplary conduct while noting that they have continued even in retirement to provide excellent services in all spheres of national life.
He urged well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to lend their support to the Nigerian Legion Humanitarian Day which is an avenue through which legionnaires reach out to the society by carrying out some social works, humanitarian activities as well as empowering widows and dependants of fallen heroes.
While urging Nigerians to proudly wear the remembrance emblem, Buhari indicated that wearing it would be a requirement for employees and visitors to gain access into government establishments in the future.
Buhari later launched the emblem with a donation of N10m.
The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Dan-Ali, in his welcome remarks, described the event as a unique one coming at a time when the nation was committing much to the anti-terrorism war.
Dan-Ali noted that terrorism had tasked the resourcefulness of men of the nation’s Armed Forces with many lives lost and many others injured.
He said since those who gave their lives for the nation have families, Nigerians owe them and their families love and care.
The Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Col. Micah Gayya (retd.), later decorated Buhari; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, with the r emblems.
