By Ummi Ismaeel,
Minna
The Governor of Niger state, Alhaji Abubarkar Sani Bello, has advocated improved welfare for the families of soldiers who fought and died for Nigeria to remain an indivisible entity.
Bello lamented that it was unfortunate the way and manner soldiers who fought for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria were being neglected and relegated to the background.
He said that for sacrificing their lives the fallen heroes deserved special attention and support.
The governor spoke during the official launching/ sale of puppy to mark the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Appeal Week which took place in the Government House, Minna, over the weekend.
Bello, who announced a N6 million donation, said that they deserved more respect and recognition.
The governor said that the trend must stop, stressing that he was prepared to support the institution of measures towards taking better handling of issues concerning Nigeria’s fallen heroes.
“They do not deserve delaying what is due for them,” Bello said, adding, “For paying the supreme prize with their lives, we should take care of our soldiers both the ones in service and those on retirement. The officers should not beg for their entitlements”.
The governor said that there was no reason after serving their fatherland for 35 years, risking one’s lives and in some cases paying with their blood and after retirement, releasing their rightful entitlements becomes an issue.
“The situation families of our fallen heroes find themselves is even more pathetic. We need not allow them continue to suffer double jeopardy. They lost their loved ones, bread winner and father to the service of their father land hence we must not allow the widows and children of these fallen heroes to suffer any more but to rally round them to survive,” he said.
Governor Bello who announce a cash donation of N6 million on behalf of the state government and a personal donation of N250, 000 also directed all the 25 local government council authorities in the state to support the legionnaires.
Niger State Chairman of Nigeria Legion, Warrant Officer Abubakar Musa Kutigi, had said the annual event was to pay tribute to fallen heroes who paid the ultimate prize of death in various wars, including the fight against insurgents for the continuous unity and stability of Nigeria.
Over 13.9 million was realized at the launch.
