The Federal Government has restated its commitment to improving the welfare of the ex-servicemen, who had put their lives in the line for the peace and security of the nation.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, CFR, gave the assurance during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC) Emblem Launch 2023 when a delegation from Nigerian Legion paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
SGF assured members of the Nigerian Legion of the commitment of this present administration to supporting the ex-servicemen and their families in catering for their needs.
In his words: “We will do everything possible to bring succor to the families of the fallen heroes because a lot of the persons, who died on the line of duty, may be the only breadwinners of their families. What other sources of income would they be able to get to keep the family together? Does that mean that the death of their loved ones would bring to an end the aspirations of other family members? It is important we give all the necessary support they deserve. Our Office has always been supportive, and I believe we will do the needful in terms of our pledge notwithstanding the dwindling resources.”
He used the opportunity to acknowledge the immense contributions of all uniformed personnel who had died in the line of duty promote the relative peace in the country and safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
According to the SGF, the Federal Government is making efforts to harness the immense skills of the ex-service men and women into productive ventures so as to add value to the economy of the nation.
He lamented that post conflict trauma has not been given the needed attention for the uniformed personnel who spend their productive years in securing the lives and properties of Nigerians. He said some of the gory experiences most of the uniformed personnel had in the line of duty may affect their mental health hence the need to rehabilitate and reintegrate them into the society.
SGF urged the Nigerian Legion to create databank of their members to enable the Federal Government support them in the area of job opportunities and other empowerment programmes. He said that his office would liaise with the organization to ensure that it was achieved.
The Special Adviser, Special Duties to the National Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Dr. Uche N. Uche, said the essence of the visit was to acquaint the SGF of the forthcoming Armed Forces Remembrance Day and to decorate him with its emblem.
He said that part of the mandate of the Nigerian Legion is to cater for the needs of the fallen heroes who paid dearly with their lives for the peace and stability of the nation.
He however noted that the organisation is overwhelmed by the increase in the number casualties alongside widows and other dependents who cannot be catered for by its meager resources.
Uche therefore requested for financial support from the Federal Government to enable it cater for the needs of their members.
He further requested for employment quota for the ex-servicemen whenever recruitment exercise is carried out by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies in order to mitigate their hardship.
