Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has described as sad that most Nigerians do not appreciate the role men of the Nigeria Armed Forces have continued to play in ensuring there is peace and unity in the country.
Wike made the observation at the All Saint’s Cathedral Church of the Anglican Communion, Rumuokwurusi Town in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where the thanksgiving and inter- denominational church service organised in commemoration of 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations held, last Sunday.
The governor said each year; the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations begin with the Emblem launch.
After the launch, he noted, crests were usually made available that were meant to be worn daily, but most Nigerians do not attach importance to it.
He stated that pinning such crests on shirts won daily serves as a mark of honour, and a way of identifying with the men and officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Refusing to wear them, Wike stated, indicates a lack of appreciation of the sacrifices the officers had made in fighting to curtail insurrection, secession, crime and all forms of criminality that threaten peace in a healthy country.
Wike reiterated his stance on the need for the Federal Government to establish a standing welfare fund, from which pool money could be pulled to cater for the families of fallen heroes and war veterans that had defended the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
The governor also lauded the leadership qualities of the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo, the Rt. Rev. Innocent Uchechukwu Ordu, describing him as a true Man of God and an exemplary leader.
“I must express my satisfaction at the amazing work I have seen here in this cathedral. I will continue to support the diocese.
“I have never doubted the leadership qualities of Bishop Ordu, but coming here today and seeing the quality of things in this cathedral, I now have more love and greater respect for him.
“This is why I will continue to love and support him because he has shown that he is a true Man of God,” Wike said.
The Rivers State governor also announced a donation of N50million to support missions and other sundry work at the cathedral.
The service was used to offer prayers for men and officers of the Nigeria Armed Forces, unity within families of the citizenry, peace, justice and economic advancement in Rivers State, and Nigeria, and greater grace of God upon Wike.
Delivering his sermon titled, “A Blessed Memory” with text from Prov. 10:7, the Vicar of All Saints Cathedralof the Anglican Church in Rumuokwurusi, Ven. Alex Usifoh, applauded the sacrifices of the retired servicemen, stating that “their sacrifices cannot be easily forgotten”.
Usifoh further noted that a blessed memory is service that leaves impact, loud legacies and unchallenged monuments that will cut across generations.
He urged Nigerians, especially those in positions of authority to ensure that they bequeath worthy legacies that would have positive impact on the society.
He noted the sacrifices made by the ex-servicemen, and other members of the armed forces working under adverse conditions without adequate equipment.
He said the fallen heroes and war veterans who served the nation had made valuable sacrifices, giving up their comfort while fighting against insurrection and secession attempts in order to keep Nigeria united, and in peace.
He explained that a blessed memory is evoked by worthy legacy left behind, and urged Nigerians to conduct their affairs in a manner that leaves positive impact in their work places, communities and at the state level, without wasting the opportunities so given to them.
While praying that God gives grace to everyone to have such mindset to leave enduring impact on the sands of time, Usifoh urged Nigerians to continue to support families of the war veterans in appreciation of the sacrifices they have made.
He admonished leaders in all areas of life to impact positively on the people with love and fear of God so as to live amazing footprints on the sands of time.
The Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, read the first lesson on behalf of the governor, while the second lesson was read by the Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Rivers State, ACG Justice O. Chichi.
The church, during intercession, prayed for the Nigerian Legion, the families of the fallen heroes, the state government, the Nigerian government and Nigeria as a country.
One of the highlights of the service was the treating of the congregation to a melodious rendition by the Cathedral Choir.
The 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Service was also attended by chaplains from various military chaplaincies, members of the Nigerian Legion, the Armed Forces, top government functionaries, traditional rulers and the political class.