FRANCIS KADIRI
THE Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, has pledged support for the launching of the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem.
He expressed the hope that it would boost the morale of the Nigerian military and ensure their effective and efficient services in continuous defence of the country.
Media Officer in the Ministry, Chinwe Ekwugha, who confirmed the development on behalf of the Director, Press and Public Relations, said the delegation of the Nigerian Legion decorated the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Oluwatoyin Akinlade, with the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem, at the Ministry’s headquarters, in Abuja, recently.
The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, commended the Nigerian Legion for honoring fallen heroes and veterans of the armed forces, while expressing optimism that Nigerians would continue to uphold the honour and privilege in appreciation of the heroic sacrifices made by the fallen veterans.
He described fallen heroes as “idols who sacrificed their lives in defence of the country,” and eulogised them for the valor they exhibited, stating that they confronted enemy-forces at the expense of the comfort and warmth of their homes.
“They left the comfort of their homes to confront forces that sought to destroy our cherished national values,” the minister said, adding that fallen heroes also fought in distant lands in order to protect Nigeria’s collective heritage.
The Permanent Secretary assured the Nigerian Legion that the workforce of the ministry would show-off the emblem in solidarity and support for the Legion and fallen Heroes, throughout the designated period, in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive.
The Director, Corporate Affairs, Nigerian Legion, Morenike Henry, who led the delegation on behalf of the Chairman of the project, Brig. Gen. Jones Adekole Akpan (retd), said the visit was meant to solicit support of the ministry in order to support the beneficiaries of fallen heroes and retired soldiers, adding that it would enable them achieve set goals.
