I heartily welcome you all to the formal launch of the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration Emblem and Appeal Fund. Today, we are once again gathered to acknowledge and commend the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and veterans of First and Second World Wars, Nigerian Civil War and Peace Support Operations around the world.
We must not forget those currently engaged in internal security operations, particularly the current war against insurgency in some parts of the country. It is indeed befitting to honour the memory of the gallant officers and men who paid the supreme sacrifice to keep the country united.
For those who survived with varying degrees of incapacitation, they require our attention and care, and we will continue to provide and cater for them.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration was intentionally fixed for January 15, annually, to commemorate the end of our civil war. It reminds us of the need to guard jealously the unity of our country, which was won at a great cost.
This day calls to mind the negative impact of strife and conflicts and demands that, as responsible citizens, we must at all times avoid actions that emphasise our differences. There is no doubt that the strength of Nigeria lies in its diversity. It behoves us, therefore, to engage in activities and endeavours that feed our diversity as a source of strength and not weakness.
The nation is appreciative of the gallantry and sacrifices of officers and men of our Armed Forces in the campaign against insurgency and other internal security operations. This has led to the return of normalcy in affected parts of the nation. The Boko Haram terrorists have been substantially defeated and degraded to the extent that they are only daring soft targets.
The peace and security of Nigeria is non-negotiable and the security agencies must continue to do their work diligently.
As a government, we will continue to provide necessary logistical support to ensure that our Armed Forces operate with the best modern warfare equipment, while at the same time adequately addressing the issues of their welfare.
Likewise, government will remain steadfast in developing our alliances with neighbours and friends in the international community for the total defeat of the insurgents. The task of resettling and rehabilitating our citizens as well as the reconstruction of territories affected by the war will continue to be one of the priorities of this administration.
Government is also well aware that an insecure environment stifles businesses and undermines growth and prosperity. For this reason, we will like to commend and reinforce our gratitude to our men and women in the Armed Forces who have risen to the challenge of securing our nation and are providing enabling environment for national progress.
It is on this note that we acknowledge and commend the rising trend, where business concerns offer discounted services to our men and women in the Armed Forces in appreciation of their selfless sacrifices to the fatherland.
We commend these laudable initiatives and urge more of our business concerns to do likewise. Such gestures would no doubt encourage them in defence of our country and its people.
