The Bayelsa State Government says it would do everything within its  reach to make legionnaires who are still alive enjoy their life as living heroes of modern Nigeria by offering appointments to those physically strong.

Governor Timipre Sylva stated this in Yenagoa, during the occasion to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Week, said without the selfless efforts of those great Nigerian men and women, some of who are still living, the story of modern Nigeria would have been told differently”.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Gideon Ekuowi, Chief Sylva commended the ex-soldiers for their patience and loyalty, assuring that the State Government would assist the living to have a meaningful life.

“The State Government will continue to assist those of you who are qualified for meaningful employment, so that you can have a better life.  Government is committed and will continue to partner with the legionnaires to ensure a better welfare for you”, Sylva said.

Earlier in their address, the ex-soldiers made a passionate  appeal to the State Government to consider job engagement for many of them who are still physically fit for gainful employment into the state civil service.

They lamented the harsh economic realities that had posed a serious challenge to their daily up-keep, urging the State Government to reconsider their pitiable plight which they said had led to the death of many of their members.

Read by the state chairman, Captain Francis Boro  (rtd) the older soldiers as they are popularly called, lamented how most of their members are dying of hunger and starvation for lack of meaningful work to do.

Boro, who was represented by his Vice Chairman, Elder Igirigi Effiom, appealed to the State Government for intervention over the poor living condition of legionnaires in the state.

“We want to appeal to the State Government to, as a matter of urgency, consider the engagement of many of our ex-soldiers who are still physically fit for gainful employment. Many of us are still capable of public service.  We need job to maintain ourselves”.

The highlights of the event was the official launch of the Remembrance Emblem by Governor Timipre Sylva, who donated the sum of N3 million.

The SSG, in his capacity also donated N500,000.00, while the sum of N1 million donation came from the Deputy Governor, Hon. Werinipre Seibarugu.

The state executive council, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Kesiye Frank-Oputu donated N500,000.00, while the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nestor Binabo made a donation of N500,000.00.

On the whole, more than N10 million was realised at the occasion.