Ebonyi Legionnaires Realise N13m From Emblem

The Nigerian Legion in

Ebonyi said lastThursday that it realised more than N13 million during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations Emblem Appeal Launch in Abakaliki.
The  state government donated the highest amount of N10 million while the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, donated N1.3 million.
The Forum of Development Centre Coordinators in the state donated N1.2 while the State Executive Council donated N350, 000.
Governor  Martin Elechi in his speech, noted that the occasion called for sober reflection on the welfare of the dependants of dead legionnaries and those living.
“These soldiers and ex-servicemen fought gallantly not only that we might live but to keep the country united. “When a soldier is shot in the battle and he realises that he will not survive, he goes to his colleague and tells him to remember his family and other dependants. “If a soldier dies in battle, he does not die for his family, community or state but for the country.
“This should make the country ensure that they did not die in vain,” he said.
According to him, soldiers don’t fight to become rich or acquire property but to make the citizens live and remain united.
“If an aspiring soldier realises that in death, the country would abandon his dependants, he would not be motivated to go into the profession. “When he realises that his family would be remembered, he would give his best to ensure that the citizens are protected, as this should make the public support them in every possible way.
“I advice the legion to embark on projects such as granting of soft loans to dependants instead of skill acquisition centres, among others,” he added.
The Legion’s Chairman Group Capt. Osmond Ogah, noted that the occasion was an opportunity to reflect on the conditions of fallen heroes and their dependants and make a firm resolve to assist them.
He called on the state government and well-meaning individuals and organisations to assist in the execution of various projects including, development of its acquired land and acquisition of official vehicle, among others.
Meanwhile, the former Coordinator of Ezza South East Development Centre,  Lt.-Col. Fidelis Uwah (rtd), called for a review of the posting of ex-servicemen as guards to individuals.