Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, has called on Nigerians to support the military in its fight against insurgency and banditry.
The governor made the call on Sunday while speaking at an interdenominational thanksgiving service to commemorate the year 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, represented Governor Oborevwori at the event which took place at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Asaba.
The governor also, urged Nigerians to support legionnaires and relatives of deceased soldiers.
He said, “I appeal to all Nigerians, to continue to show support for and solidarity with our soldiers who are daily, fighting to preserve our collective peace and security.
“Nigeria is facing security challenges at different fronts; the country is virtually under siege from activities of insurgents in the North East to the murderous activities of bandits in different parts of the country and as such, we pray that the good Lord will continue to bless and protect our soldiers who are putting their lives on the line on daily basis so that we can all live in peace and safety.
“This yearly memorial serves as a sober reminder that the freedom we enjoy today as a people came at the expense of thousands of our military personnel who laid down their lives for the security, peace, and unity of our country, Nigeria.
“Today, while we pay tribute to their sacrifice, courage, and deep sense of patriotism, I call on the current and future generation of Nigerians to be patriotic and make sacrifice for our country to realize her full potentials.
“As we commemorate the martyrdom of our military personnel, I am aware that legionnaires and the dependants of our fallen heroes deserve the very best from both the government and all of us; my administration is determined to do more in ensuring that it brings smiles to the faces of Deltans across board, including legionnaires, widows of fallen heroes, and their dependants.
“I wish to appeal to Deltans to support, in cash and in kind, these veterans and the dependants left behind by the fallen soldiers; this gesture would assist veterans, their widows and children of our fallen servicemen to access basic healthcare and acquire skills to earn livelihood.”
Governor Oborevwori at the occasion, thanked God for the relative peace being enjoyed by Deltans.
Earlier in his sermon, Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Asaba, Rt. Rev’d K.C. Obuh, had kicked against any action that could encourage terrorism and banditry in the country.
The Bishop called on Nigerians to also, shun corruption and engage in actions that will make the country better.
Wife of the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Ezinne Catherine Onyeme, was among dignitaries who attended the service.