– The federal government is really aware of the economic recession that has hit the country especially under President Muhammadu Buhari
– Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, while revealing this, also explains what the country’s government is doing to curtail it
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has confirmed that Nigeria’s economic recession is, indeed, biting, but added that the government was ensuring that the situation abated soon.
He said Nigeria would soon be out of the crisis just as he praised the Armed Forces for uniting the country despite agitations by different groups.
2017 launch of emblem for the Armed forces remembrance day
Osinbajo who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the launch of the emblem for the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, said the heroism put up by the military so far is recognised by the country.
Speaking on the theme: ‘Appreciating the resilience of the Nigerian Armed Forces’ at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday, November 15.
Vanguard reports that Osinbajo said the government had increased pensions of retired military officers.
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“We are gathered here today to observe a worthy tradition of acknowledging and appreciating the gallantry and sacrifices of our veterans in the first and second world wars, peace keeping operations around the world and internal security operations, particularly the ongoing campaign against terrorism at home.
“It is indeed fitting and worthwhile and even noble to honour our distinguished veterans, some who paid the highest price and many others who devoted significant part of their lives to the service of our country and the world at large.
“Since independence 56 years ago, our nation has witnessed a number of internal strifes, survived a civil war but we have remained united. Our people have through all consistently shown a commitment to remaining as one people. This in itself honours the sacrifices of our fallen heroes, heroines and veterans who rose up and continue to rise up to confront the security challenges of the day.
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“We are here today to demonstrate our appreciation for their service and to value their devotion and honour their memory. This is why the armed forces Remembrance Day celebration is observed annually as we do today to commemorate the selfless service of our gallant troops,” the vice president said.
The vice president said the theme of this year’s remembrance day was apt as it speaks to the perseverance and dedication of Nigeria’s serving and departed men in the uniform.
He said: “Those great attributes are particularly on display in this trying times in our national life as our men and women of the armed forces make genuine efforts to bring down the insurgents.
“Let it be said all over again that as an administration, we will continue to honour our military forces in their ongoing arduous fight against terrorists and we will do all we can to remember their sacrifices and appreciate their families who bear the brunt at different levels of pains and loss.
File photo of an Armed Forces Remembrance-day celebration
“As a nation, we are grateful to you, our loyal and gallant troops for ensuring that terrorism and hate do not prevail in our land and doing so with such commitment and fervour.
“To their families, we owe an even greater debt of gratitude and a permanent duty not to forget what their husbands and wives did and to also ensure that we remember them materially.
“Let me also salute the courage and sacrifices of the men and women of the armed forces in grappling with militancy, oil theft and piracy in some parts of the country. They have displayed unalloyed loyalty and commitment to Nigeria.
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“When we consider the situation and conditions under which they died, suffered physical incapacitation, those of us who are beneficiaries of their sacrifice carry a compelling moral duty to do our best to contribute towards the welfare and sustenance of their families and dependants.
“Beyond our words of gratitude that honour, their memories and services, our modest material comfort can go a long way to ameliorate their pain and loss. This is why the Nigerian Legion is high among charitable organizations of note deserving our patronage both as a government and as a people.”
He described the Nigerian Legion which is the umbrella body of veterans as an organisation that has continued to contribute to the growth and development of the country.
He said the emblem launch was meant to appeal to all Nigerians to identify with the sacrifices of the country’s fallen heroes and veterans by making generous donations towards supporting them.
“Furthermore, after the emblem launch, I implore all Nigerians to procure and wear the emblem with pride especially throughout the remembrance period.
“The federal government will continue to commit itself to addressing the challenges facing our veterans. To this end, we have recently implemented the recommendation to increase their pension.
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“We are also happy you note that the military pension scheme is running efficiently even as verification exercise for ex-servicemen and women was successfully conducted recently.
“It is my pleasure to on behalf of the President to launch the 2017 armed forces Remembrance Day emblem and appeal fund with N10m on behalf of the federal government,” he said.
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