GOVERNOR OKOROCHA FLAGS OFF ARMED FORCES AND REMEMBRANCE DAY IN IMO.... HAILS NIGERIA MILITARY FOR SECURING UNITY OF NIGERIA

Imo Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere flanked by Imo State House of Assembly Majority leader, Hon. Lugard Osuji,  Imo State Police Commissioner, C.P Taiwo Lakanu, the Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Brig. General J.A.Y Isiyaku, Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp, Steve Lar among others, Hon. Commissioner for Local Government and Rural Development, Hon Emma Ibediro among others during a National Anthem on the occasion of Armed Forces and Remeberance Day/Appeal Emblem Launch celebration at Imo Government House

The Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has described the Nigerian Armed Forces as the epicenter  of Nigerian unity.

Governor Okorocha made this remark through his deputy, Prince Eze Madumere during the flag off of 2017 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebration with the launching of emblem week and fund raising for Nigeria Legion Projects,  which held in Nicks Banquet Hall, Government House, Owerri, Imo State.

He emphasized the need to appreciate the sacrifices being made by the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by joining hands with other patriotic Nigerians to support them in whatever way necessary.

He used the forum to commend the military for dislodging the last stronghold of the Boko Haram Insurgents that have held some part of Nigeria under siege,  which he described as a testimonial that will remain indelible in Nigerian history.

His word, " the Nigerian Armed Forces deserves our support in whatever way necessary. They have continued to deny themselves of the pleasure of living as other citizens for our freedom and security. Many of them paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live. Threats to lives of Nigerians and territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria were extinguished by these patriotic men. I applaud them for their feat in dislodging the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents from the last stronghold in the North-East part of the country."

He therefore made a clarion call on all and sundry to make meaningful contribution towards the sustenance of the Nigerian Legion Projects especially to cater for the surviving families of the fallen heroes.

Earlier in his address, Lt. Col. Damian Okafor (rtd), the Chairman of Nigeria Legion, Imo State recalled that the essence of forming Nigeria Legion in 1919 was with the sole aim of brining together ex-service men under one umbrella and to ensure that widows and relatives of the fallen heroes were catered for. He therefore  appealed to  patriotic Nigerians to invest into the project of Nigeria Legion, reiterating the need not to allow the widows and off springs of the fallen heroes suffer.

Speaking further,  Lt. Col. Okafor (rtd) hailed Okorocha for his leadership having transformed length and breath do Imo State in  infrastructure, health, security tourism and other areas , describing him as a divine gift to Nigeria Legion for always being there for them.

He used the forum to request of the government for employment of some of its members who are still strong and energetic, operational vehicle for the Legion among other needs.

In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Health and Social Development, Hon. (Mrs.) Ngozi Njoku stated that the event was a solemn one to honour the fallen heroes who paid the supreme price  for the continued existence of Nigeria as one indivisible entity.

She reiterated government concern over the welfare of the less privileged in the State especially the surviving chives and children of the fallen heroes. She reassured the Nigeria Legion that Imo State Government will continue to look into their welfare and their projects.

The Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice Paschal Nnadi also reiterated a stance for Nigerians to show love to soldiers and the fallen heroes who chose to put their lives on the line for the members of the citizenry and the existence of Nigeria.

Among the high ranking Government officials and security chiefs at the event are The Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Acho Ihim represented by Imo State House of Assembly Majority leader, Hon. Lugard Osuji,  Imo State Police Commissioner, C.P Taiwo Lakanu, the Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Brig. General J.A.Y Isiyaku, Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp, Steve Lar among others, Hon. Commissioner for Local Government and Rural Development, Hon Emma Ibediro.