As Nigerian leaders on Wednesday paid tribute to soldiers who have laid down their lives while fighting for the nation’s peace and security on the occasion of the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD), widows and families of slain soldiers have called on Nigeria to come to their aid.
President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice president Yemi Osinbajo and other top leaders performed a wreath laying ceremony in honour of the slain soldiers at the event which held at the National Arcade, Three Arms Zone, Abuja.
The leaders of the National Assembly, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Service chiefs, Inspector General of Police (IGP), other dignitaries and the families of slain soldiers also paid tribute.
The event also witnessed a minute silence for the fallen heroes, artillery gun salute, the release of pigeons to signify peace and the signing of the anniversary register by the President.
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After the ceremony, the leader of the Widows Military Association, Gift Runika, in an interview said beyond a ceremony to honour fallen soldiers, the families of slain heroes are in need of economic empowerment and financial support.
“It has not been easy, we call on Nigeria to have empathy and come the aid of the windows. Among us we have some young widows that needs to go back to school, we want scholarship for them, their children and employment for our children”, she said.
She however commended the Nigerian authority for remembering the supreme sacrifice paid by the soldiers for the peace of the nation.
In the same vein, the Director, Defence Information, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu said the military is implementing schemes to bring succour to the families of the fallen heroes and veterans who have been wounded in action, but called for more support.
The Remembrance Day Celebration is being marked on the 15th of January instead of 11th of November as in other Commonwealth nations to commemorate the end of the civil war in Nigeria.
The event is also used to honour veterans who are still alive as well s solicit financial support for their wellbeing and the families of the fallen heroes.
