Speech By PMB at The Emblem Appeal Launch For The 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day

SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI ON THE OCCASION OF THE LAUNCH OF THE 2022 ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY EMBLEM APPEAL LAUNCH AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS STATE HOUSE ABUJA ON MONDAY 25 OCTOBER 2021

PROTOCOL

I warmly welcome you all to the formal launch of the Emblem for the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration. ​

In keeping with the worthy tradition observed worldwide, we are gathered here today to acknowledge and appreciate the gallantry, sacrifices and accomplishments of our veterans of the First and Second World Wars, Peace Support Operations and Internal Security Operations especially the long-drawn war on insurgency as well as armed banditry.

I am therefore privileged to honour these veterans who devoted most of their active lives to securing the nation and the world at large.

My special tribute at this event goes to those who paid the supreme sacrifice doing so. May their labour for our fatherland not be in vain even as we sing this always in our National Anthem.

Our country’s efforts at nationhood since independence have been challenged by civil strife, a civil war and much uprising and violent agitations. However, in spite of all these, the country has remained united and the resolve of the citizens for unity remains unshaken.

The exploits of our Armed Forces to maintain peace as well as their disposition to the unity of Nigeria have contributed in no small measure to our stability. We must therefore celebrate them as the pride of our country. Our faith in our Armed Forces remains unshaken and as a government we will do all within our powers to ensure that our Armed Forces are motivated to perform optimally.

They have time and again demonstrated unparalleled patriotism, courage, loyalty and commitment as they grapple with the daunting challenges of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Even though there seems to have been an increase in the incidents of insecurity, the Armed Forces have effectively applied themselves to countering all the attempts by the nation’s enemies to disturb the peace. Places that were hitherto inaccessible and deserted have now been occupied by our citizens who have returned to their normal homes.

The renewed onslaught on bandits in the Northwest is worthy of mention here. The military is daily receiving insurgents who are voluntarily laying down their arms. We are not going to be satisfied until peace is finally restored to every inch of our land.

Realising the need to maintain the comradeship that existed during the service among officers and men of the Armed Forces, the nation established the Nigerian Legion through an Act of the National Assembly. The Nigerian Legion was established to cater for the welfare of ex-servicemen and those that distinguished themselves in the wars Nigeria has participated.

It remains a veritable pool of abundant and diverse human resources. I have the pleasure to acknowledge the contributions of retired officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces to the ongoing war on insurgency. The government will continue to welcome these vital contributions. I charge the Ministry of Defence to continue to promote the engagement of our retired officers and men in seeking avenues of contributing to our national affairs.

I am glad to note that the Nigerian Veterans have contributed to the socioeconomic development of our country through engagement in productive ventures thereby generating employment opportunities for themselves and other Nigerians.

This is a further testimonial to the patriotism of these Nigerians. They have demonstrated abiding faith in Nigeria and its development. We sincerely commend them and all Nigerians who have continued to believe in Nigeria by making it their investment destination.

In the exercise of its mandate to cater for the welfare needs of its members as well as widows and dependents of the fallen heroes, the Nigerian Legion has exercised its mandate by entering into partnership with some private organisations.

One is the partnership with National Personal Assets Acquisition Scheme (NAPAAS) which has seen the empowerment of the Legionnaires across the nation through the provision of tricycles, motorcycles, foodstuffs and household equipment at flexible and affordable repayment plan. They have also conducted skills acquisition training for select widows and also provided a furnished office accommodation for the Military Widows’ Association to facilitate their co-operation with the scheme. Efforts are also on to empower 50 of these widows with tricycles as was the case with the Legionnaires.

The welfare of our ex-servicemen continues to be our priority. The government has continued to prioritise the prompt and regular payment of pensions and benefits to our retirees. We are committed to making life more meaningful to all retirees. To this end, we shall, within the limits of available resources, ensure payment of all liabilities arising from increments made to the pensions of ex-servicemen. We enjoin all to remain steadfast and committed to our country.

The emblem which I will launch shortly is not only a sign of the sacrifices and blood shed by officers and men of the Armed Forces for peace and security in our country.

It is also a sign of our resolve to remain united as a nation and confront any challenges we may face. It is a sign of our resolve to say no to divisions and embrace one another as a united indivisible country.

As I launch the emblem therefore, I call on all Nigerians to make generous donations to the Nigerian Legion, support the widows and orphans of the fallen heroes, procure the emblems and wear them with pride. The same call goes to all visitors and friends of Nigeria as well as corporate bodies operating in Nigeria.

Your Excellences, distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now my privilege to launch the emblem for 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration.

Thank you for your attention and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.