As Nigerians celebrate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day in honour of fallen heroes, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, assured serving officers that the country will continue to appreciate their gallant works even while they are alive or when they pass on.
He said the event, which is a yearly routine, was an opportunity to appreciate the efforts of fallen heroes and members of the Armed Forces who had served Nigeria in one form or the other, stating that the government would continue to appreciate their gallant works.
Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke during this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony held at The Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; members of the State Executive Council, state government officials, Commanding Officers, religious and traditional leaders, serving and retired members of the Armed Forces and families of the fallen heroes, among other dignitaries.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the occasion was significant as it had become a national day to pray for the departed souls, the incapacitated security personnel and serving military officers, their families and Nigeria.
He said: “We thank God that we can also celebrate another Armed Forces Remembrance Day. It is a yearly routine and it is an occasion where we all come together to recognise and acknowledge our fallen heroes and gallant soldiers who have served the country in one form or the other for decades. It has become a significant day that everybody wants to honour them, appreciate them and continue to encourage them.
“It is a day to remember them; their families and the loved ones they left behind. We will continue to pray for the repose of the fallen heroes. We commit their families to God’s hands. The country will continue to appreciate the gallant works of our serving officers even while they are alive or when they pass on.”
During the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu released the white pigeons.
The Governor, his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Commanding Officers, among others, also laid the wreath at The Remembrance Arcade to celebrate the fallen heroes.
A minute silence, gun salute and prayers were also observed in honour of fallen heroes.