By Ifeanyi Olannye
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Tuesday led dignitaries and top government officials to lay wreaths in honour of the fallen heroes to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Asaba.
The governor had earlier inspected the Guard of Honour mounted by the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Nigerian Legion.
Both Christian and the Muslim clerics prayed for the nation, the armed forces and the families of the fallen heroes.
The high-points of the occasion were gunshots and the release of pigeons to symbolise peace and unity.
In an interview, the legionnaire pleaded for support and empowerment considering the present economic realities, saying that pensions alone could not sustain their families.
Retired Capt. Timothy Ayodele, Assistant Secretary, Oshimili South Local Government Area (LGA) Nigerian Legion, said that they were capable of doing additional work to support their families.
He appealed to government to re-engage them in the state task forces to promote environmental sanitation.
“We that went to war; fought the war and returned from the war; we are retired but not tired. We can support the tax officers, task forces to ensure environmental sanitation in the state.
“So, we want the state government to engage us and not leave us redundant,’’ Ayodele said.
Retired Master Warrant Officer Fidelis Okolo said that their pension stipends were being paid regularly by the government but noted that the commissioned officers had taken over the affairs of legionnaires in the state.
“Those commissioned to help the legion are the commissioners. As we speak, only a few legionnaires are at the parade ground, the rest are commissioners, ‘’ Okolo said.
Retired Warrant Officer Sunday Ifedi, Vice Chairman, Oshimili South Legion, expressed dismay at the plight of the families of the retired soldiers and fallen heroes, saying those who were capable to work to sustain their families never got engaged.
He called on all well-meaning Nigerians to support the legion and their families.
“We need help from the state government; we need help from the LGAs to ensure the welfare of our people; and particularly from the Oshimili South LGA to assist us the retirees with an office to hold our meetings.
“For our women, government should empower them through the empowerment programme by giving them sewing machines and pepper grinding machines to enable them keep their homes and train their children, ‘’ Ifedi said.
Mrs Bridget Eboma, Public Relations Officer, National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS), Delta Chapter, said that the event should be impactful to the legionnaire.
“The occasion should be done periodically, quarterly and provide some encouragement packages for the retirees and the families of the fallen heroes as a form of empowerment not only in Delta but the entire country.
“It is not enough to come on annual basis to celebrate them when their widows and children are going through hell. They made great sacrifice to keep Nigeria as one indivisible entity; they deserve more.
“Though, the state government is doing its best, we want those wealthy individuals in our society to support the families of the fallen heroes,’’ she said.
Eboma advised the families of the fallen heroes to brace up to the challenge and endeavour to train their children to make them better citizens. (NAN)
