Osun Gov’t charges Nigerians to support Armed Forces

Abimbola Abatta, Osogbo

Nigerians have been enjoined to always pray and support the Armed Forces in order to remain focused, committed and strong in their statutory obligation of protecting the nation’s territorial integrity and curtailing internal uprising.

Osun State Deputy Governor, Benedict Alabi gave the charge during the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Thanksgiving Service, held at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Living Spring, Isale Aro, Diocese of Osogbo.

Alabi, who represented the State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, said that the Nigerian Armed Forces have been a dependable institution of sustenance and survival of the Nigeria’s sovereignty since independence.

“Starting as the Nigeria Regiment of  the  Royal West African Frontier Force until 1956,  the Nigerian Armed Forces remain a reckoning force in Africa.

“Array of successful peace keeping operations embarked upon by our Armed Forces since 1963 in Congo and subsequently in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Sudan,  Satome & Principe,  Gambia and a host of others have positioned Nigeria as a big brother on the continent.”

The Deputy Governor stressed that the professional role played by the Armed Forces to restore peace, unification and hope,  during the 30-month of civil war will forever remain unforgettable in the annals of our nation-state.

According to him, “The enormous national task of suppressing insurgency since 2009 in the North East, militancy in the Niger Delta, coupled with the recent menace of banditry and brutal act of kidnapping around the country have put so much pressure on the armed forces and terribly overstretched the military apparatus, hence, the need for constant prayer and unflinching support from all Nigerians.

“Indeed, the Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an  annual celebration of our fallen heroes and living legends of the armed forces, including those presently in active service,” he stated.