(Gov. Adeleke takes salute at the Armed forces remembrance ceremony in Oshogbo on Thursday)
(Gov. Adeleke lays the wreath)
By OLABISI KAZEEM (Imam Ailaka)
Oshogbo (Flowerbudnews): The Executive Governor of Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has called for continuous support of Nigerian Armed Forces and remembrance of families of fallen heroes who paid the supreme price to sustain peace and security of the nation.
The governor made the appeal on Thursday at the activities marking 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held at the new military cemetery, Osun State House of Assembly premises, Abere.
He said that the remembrance day should not be a mere ritual, but one that would reassured members of armed forces that their efforts to keep the nation united would not be in vain.
Speaking further Gov. Adeleke said: ”Their unyielding bravery, selfless sacrifices and determinations to keep this nation safe are their legacy. But this legacy demands more than remembrance, it demands actions to forge a brighter future for which they paid the ultimate price.
It demands building a nation worthy of the blood and sweat of our men and women in uniform and their families. It demands a nation where peace reigns, where justice prevails and where the mantle of progress they bored is carried forward with purpose.’:
Earlier, the Grand Imam of Osun State, Alh Musa Animasahun and Osun State CAN Chairman offered the prayers for the living and peaceful repose of the souls of the departed heroes, who fought gallantly for global peace. This was followed by a minute silence.
The Wreath -laying ceremony was the climax of the activities marking the Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Oshogbo which had began with the launch of the EMBLEM by the governor last week.
It was started by the governor accompanied by Commander, Military Top Brass in Osun and a , Guards of Honour at the foot of the unknown soldier.
Following was the deputy governor, Chief Kola Adewusi, Osun State House of Assembly Speaker, the military commanders, Police Commissioner, Ataoja of Osogbo, Chairman of Legion among others took their turn to lay Wreaths.
Ceremonial 21 gun shots salute were fired by the soldiers as part of the activities at the event.
The event which, was started with the launching of the Emblem last week Wednesday January 7, ended with the signing of the anniversary register by the governor before his symbolic release of white pigeons to signify peace.
Meanwhile, the Osun State chairman of Nigerian Legion, COM.Julius Oyerokun Abidoye has urged the government at the top led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enhance the well-being of those that have served and left.
He said ” Those families of the fallen heroes, including those who are serving, government should not get tired of looking at the welfare of veterans especially when it’s related to the increase of salary of serving members of the armed forces.
The Commandant, Ede Construction Regiment, ECR, Brigadier S.S Bello:, Commandant Nigeria Navy Center of Education, Captain H Salihu; Dir General Air force Research and Development Institute, Commandant, Air force, Air Vice Marshall A.A Shinkafi also paid tribute to the fallen heroes.
This year service was also attended by members of the state executive council, Legislative council, Chief judge, Mrs Adepele Ojo, permanent secretaries, chairmen and heads of parastatals.
Also traditional rulers as Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olarinoye: Alie of Ilie and Olufon of Ifon, ACCORD Chairman in the state, Barr Funso Akande; political chieftains, trade unions and market women were not left out at the occasion.