Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday unveiled the emblem and appeal fund for the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, ahead of the Jan. 15 commemoration.
During the unveiling programme at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu donated N50 million to the state chapter of the Nigerian Legion.
He expressed his administration’s commitment to empower widows of the fallen heroes.
The governor, therefore, directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) to work with the office of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Legion to identify persons the state could empower and support to within the first quarter of the year.
“Every year, we set out to remember our fallen heroes, men and women who served the country, especially on the war fronts. Those who paid the supreme price while serving the nation and it is customary that on January 15, we remember them.
“But before then, we usually have an emblem launch which we use to remind ourselves that we are together with them in fellowship and we are together throughout this period to offer prayers, wish them the very best and offer some succour, especially to the families of the fallen heroes; the widows and the widowers.
“On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, we would donate the sum of N50 million for the emblem. So you can see that we have done 10-fold of what we did the other time. That itself is a big lift for us. We will continue to support in other areas.
“I wish you the best as you go out to launch and further pass on the emblem and to say that the Lagos State Government will continue to identify with the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Legion and wish you the best in the preparation of this year’s activity,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the Commandant of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Legion, retired Col. Fola Akande, commended Gov. Sanwo-Olu for the welfare and concern of retired officers.
According to him, Mr Governor is indeed a worthy patriot of the Nigerian Legion.
Akande urged the people and government to continue to support and identify with widows, children and families of the fallen heroes by donating generously, buying and wearing the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration emblem.
Gov. Sanwo-Olu, alongside his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, some cabinet members and heads of security agencies in the State were decorated with the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem.