The Kebbi Government has donated the sum of ₦50 million for the purchase of emblems to legionnaires in the state.
Governor Nasir Idris, made the disclosure at the launching of the 2025 Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
He also warned other donors to redeem their pledges immediately, saying that the government would monitor redemption of each donation.
“Donors must not look at the ex-servicemen as beggars, they are principal partners in nation building, do not suffer these old people in fulfilling your pledges.
“They have suffered for us, without them we wouldn’t have been here, some of them mortgaged their lives, paid the supreme price to keep Nigeria united.
“For God’s sake, redeem what you have promised them within the shortest possible time,” the governor pleaded.
According to him, the armed forces had made sacrifices for the country, saying that the Emblem Appeal Week is for reflection, to show gratitude and commitment, to embolden them in their onerous task of protecting the freedom and security of the nation.
“Many have given their lives in the fight against terrorism and banditry, they deserved respect and recognition, they made sacrifice to give the nation safer environment to live in.
“Their legacy will never be forgotten, we stand in solidarity with them and their families, we must support them in whatever way possible.
“The citizenry must have commitment to peace and security, we must stand against violence, we must promote unity among our people.
“We must carry the spirit of fallen heroes in our hearts always as we strive for a prosperous society,” Governor Idris said.
The legionnaires realised more than ₦85 million during the launch. Earlier, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Retired Sergeant Garba Hassan-Suru, thanked the government for his compassion and benevolence over the years, to the ex-servicemen and their families including widows and children of fallen heroes.
He informed the governor that the total number of legionnaires in the state and widows of fallen heroes were in thousands, expressing appreciation to the governor for his continued support.
Hassan-Suru solicited for the governor’s intervention in land acquisition by the legion in the three other Emirates’ headquarters.
(NAN)
