As Nigeria celebrates 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day meant to honour the fallen heroes in both military and para-military services, Governors Dapo Abiodun and Rotimi Akeredolu of Ogun and Ondo states respectively, have urged the Federal Government to equip Nigerian military and para-military services to frontally tackle insurgency and insecurity that are bedeviling socio-economic growth and development of the country.
The two Southwestern governors also required the public to help government and military and para-military services with intelligence and information gathering as part of measures to fighting insecurity and insurgency, saying the fight against insurgency and insecurity in the country should be collective and must be done in such a way that all the ethnic, religious and political groups must be involved.
Speaking at the Christian service in commemoration of the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held at St. Benedict Military Catholic Church, Owena Cantonment of the Nigerian Army in Akure on Sunday, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu tasked the Federal Government on the provision of sophisticated and modern weaponry and equipment for Nigerian Military in fighting insurgency and other criminalities in the country.
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While soliciting multi-level policing system as a way to go in fighting insecurity at an event which had in attendance, all the security heads in Ondo state, including Abubakar Zakari, Brigadier-General and Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade of Nigerian Army, Akure, Governor Akeredolu urged the security agencies in the state to work together, adding that collaborative efforts among the security agencies can only yield a better result and peace for the people and the nation.
Also, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state has said the war against insurgency would record more successes if credible and adequate information are given to men of the Armed Forces and other security agencies by members of the public, adding that war against insurgency requires accurate intelligent reports as against what it’s required for conventional warfare, hence, the need for Nigerians to help Nigerian Army and other security agencies with accurate and useful information.
Governor Abiodun, who was represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo at the Church service held at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Ake in Abeokuta, said, “I want to use this opportunity to call on Nigerians to give our armed forces intelligent report that will assist them in prosecuting the war on insurgency, which is difficult to fight than conventional war, that is why we must support them.
“We will continue to recognise the sacrifice of our fallen heroes and their services to the nation, as well as remember the families they left behind and pray that God will console them. For those still living, we say a big thank you for being loyal to the nation.”
In his sermon, the Bishop of Remo Diocese, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Sagamu, Bamidele Ibikunle, admonished Nigerians to always think of the nation first rather than selfish interests, explaining that Nigeria would be a great country, if her citizens shun tribalism, selfishness and live in peace with one another.
The Clergyman appreciated the armed forces and personnel of other security agencies for their services in preserving the peace and unity of the nation, calling for proper insurance cover for service men and women, as well as adequate care for the families of the fallen heroes.
RAZAQ AYINLA, Abeokuta and JACOB AKINTUNDE, Akure
