By Efa Sunday; Government House Correspondent
The Executive Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Ben Ayade has called for a special scholarship program for the children of fallen heroes.
The Governor made this call yesterday at the Millennium Park, venue for the Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Calabar.
Mr. Ayade who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivara Esu, said the scholarship will help reduce the financial burden on the families of the fallen heroes.
“Like you all know, we are gathered here today to celebrate men and women who have given their lives for the unity, peace and protection of this great Nation. These are men and women that we are very proud of in Nigeria. They have paid the ultimate price by giving their lives.
“I call on Mr. President, Muhammad Buhari and other agencies concerned to consider a scholarship program for the children of the deceased. This program at least will help offset the financial burdens on the family after the demise of their breadwinner,” the Governor said.
Ayade also lauds the efforts of the combined forces, for their effort in tackling insurgency in the country, an effort which he said has brought about relative peace in the Northeast.
“I want to use this opportunity to laud the efforts of the Armed Forces, especially men of the Nigerian Army, for their unreserved effort to combat insurgency in the Northeast. The fight against Boko Haram as we all know is not an easy fight, but they have been able to restore peace back to some parts of the Northeast, where the terrorists had initially taken control.” He maintained.
Also, the Governor in the Thanksgiving Service that took place immediately at St. Benards Catholic Church, Marian Hill, had taken the first reading from the book of Isaiah 40 vs. 1-5, 9-11.
Mr. Ayade represented by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Rosemary Archibong, charged Nigerians to ensure the sustenance of peaceful coexistence by avoiding inciting, provocative, hateful actions and speeches, while reiterating the observance of the rule of law, equity and transparent adherence to the doctrine of separation of powers.
The Governor called on well meaning Cross Riverians to reciprocate the sacrifices of the fallen heroes and sustain democracy by ensuring that the forthcoming general election is violence free.
In his homily, the Parish Priest, Reverend Father Charles Etim, admonished Nigerians to embrace peace, love and respect for constituted authority and one another.
Rev. Etim solicited prayers for the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and called on Governments at various levels to support, provide and improve the welfare of retired personnel and families of deceased military officers, as the nation commemorates the sacrifices of the fallen heroes.
See pictures below.
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