Armed Forces Day: Sanwo-Olu advocates support for widows, families of fallen heroes

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Friday urged Nigerians to support and appreciate the families of  the nation’s fallen heroes and share their responsibility.

Sanwo-Olu made the call at a special Jumaat service held at the Lagos State Secretariat Community Central Mosque (LSSCCM), Alausa, in commemoration of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, noted that the Nigerian Armed Forces, both the serving and retired, were saddled with the responsibilities of securing the nation.

He said that many had lost their lives while trying to secure the integrity of the land.

According to the governor, supporting the families of the fallen heroes in whatever form is a way of appreciating the efforts of those who laid their lives for the country.

He said: “They died so that we can live, and as a matter of fact, they are still dying for us. So, we must do everything within our power to support them.

“The fact that people are struggling should not stop you from lifting others, we can always lift ourselves.

“If it is just ten Naira you have, take one Naira out of it to lift someone.”

However, the governor, urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to continue with the responsibility of giving financial aid to the widows of the fallen heroes.

Similarly, former Emir of Kano, Dr Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, commended the armed forces for their dedication to ensuring the unity of Nigeria.

Sanusi also praised their doggedness in the protection of the nation’s territorial integrity.

“I wish to commend the armed forces for their dedication to duty despite the difficult situations that they are operating in.

“Despite some members of the forces paying the supreme sacrifice to protect the civil populace, they remain undaunted to ensure that they uphold the alliance to the call of duty.

“We appreciate you and we pray that Almighty Allah will continue to be with your families,” he said.

Sanusi called for peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.

Earlier in his sermon, Imam of LSSCCM, Hakeem Kosoko, urged Nigerians to continuously celebrate the armed forces, both living and the dead, because of the huge sacrifices they made for the country.

He said that the tasks of the armed forces would not have been tedious if the citizens understood the necessity of life and the rights of others irrespective of the religion.

“The Cleric urged Nigerians to live peacefully and co-exist in love.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the the service also had in attendance officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces among others