The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Peter Odey, on Wednesday represented the Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, at the laying of remembrance wreaths in honour of Nigeria’s fallen heroes at Millennium Park, Calabar, as part of activities marking the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
Speaking during an interview at the ceremony, Hon. Odey said the occasion was a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by men and women of the Armed Forces who paid the supreme price to keep Nigeria united and peaceful.
“The lesson we should pick from this ceremony is that we must never forget our fallen heroes, those who gave their lives so that this country can remain one,” he said.
“Many people do not fully understand the sacrifices they made. The fact that we can sleep peacefully in this state today is because of the hard work and commitment of our military officers.”
He reaffirmed the Cross River State Government’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian military and the families left behind by fallen personnel, particularly widows.
“In all our programmes, the widows of our fallen heroes are always carried along. Even before this programme, we had engagements with them. The Commissioner for Social Welfare has been mandated to ensure that they are included in everything we do,” the Deputy Governor stated.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Cross River State, Comrade Daniel Ojugbo, highlighted the challenges faced by veterans and families of fallen heroes, including poor welfare, lack of medical care, and unemployment among their children.
“Many of our veterans are struggling. Some have no access to medical care, and our widows are handicapped with little or nothing to fall back on. Even the children of fallen heroes who graduate from universities find it difficult to get jobs,” he lamented.
Despite the challenges, Comrade Ojugbo commended the present administration in the state for its support to the Nigerian Legion.
“Speaking about Cross River in general, the current administration under Prince Bassey Otu has been very supportive of the Nigerian Legion. From what we are seeing, the government is trying, and we appreciate that support,” he said.
The Mayor of Calabar, Apostle Rt. Hon. James Anam described the ceremony as one of the most emotional events in the nation’s calendar, noting that January 15 was deliberately set aside to honour those who laid down their lives for the peace and unity of Nigeria.
“This is a very emotional day for the country as we recall how these heroes sacrificed their lives for peace,” he said. “The decision to set aside this day every year is a welcome development. As we remember them, our prayers go especially to their families, because the pain is always with them.”
He urged continued support for the families of fallen heroes and prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed.
In her remarks, Mrs Miriam Orok, Coordinator of the Military Widows’ Association, expressed gratitude to the Cross River State Government, saying the welfare of widows had improved under the current administration.
“Since the coming of our ‘sweet Prince Otu,’ things are different,” she said. “We, the Military Widows’ Association, are grateful and want to go home and enjoy with our children. God bless the government and give them the grace to continue.”
The ceremony, which drew military personnel, government officials, veterans, widows, youth groups and members of the public, ended with prayers and the symbolic laying of wreaths in honour of Nigeria’s fallen heroes.
— Tribune
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