Buhari, Saraki, Dogara,Atiku, Others Laud Armed Forces’
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki and Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt Hon.Yakubu Dogara and other dignitaries yesterday laid wreath at the National arcade in honour of fallen heroes.
The president and other dignitaries applauded the armed forces’ gallantry in defending the nation. Also,vice president Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen,Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin,FCT minister, Malam Mohammed Musa Bello, service chiefs, Ag.IGP, representatives of diplomatic corps, representatives of Nigerian Legion and widows of late officers/soldiers laid the wreath.
The Remembrance day is commemorated in honour of soldiers who paid the supreme price for world peace and those who fought for us to live in peace. The 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day which climaxed yesterday with a Wreath Laying Grand Finale at the National Arcade in Abuja commenced with prayers offered for the repose of souls of those who died in active service by clerics from the Christian and Islamic faith.
Prayers were also offered for their family members and the onward protection of members of the Armed Forces including those at the front line of battles. A minute silence was held in honour of the fallen heroes before the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari led dignitaries to lay the wreath.
As part of activities marking the day, the Defence Health Maintenance Scheme offered free medical outreach to its constituents and dependants. The managing director, Defence Health Maintenance Scheme, Surgeon Commander Ahmed Abdullahi said the scheme is primarily concerned with the health of the armed forces both serving and retired. He said the scheme which has over 500,000 subscribers was established to take care of the members of the armed forces wherever they may be. Abdullahi said the scheme takes care of both serving and retired personnel, their spouses and four children below the age of 18.
Speaking further, he said the scheme aims to bring every Nigerian into the nation’s social insurance scheme in line with the universal health coverage goal of the country.
Meanwhile, the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has said the sacrifices of the members of the Nigerian armed forces are too enormous to be measured or quantified. Atiku made the declaration shortly after a special prayer session for members of the armed forces, at the PDP secretariat in Akure, Ondo State. The prayer, in honour of the fallen heroes who died in the line of duty was for the commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Atiku said, “the greatest and most heroic sacrifice is to lay down your life in defence of your country and its citizens.”
