By Olugbenga Adewale
Governor of Lagos State Akinwunmi Ambode, has extended the goodwill and solidarity of Lagosians to soldiers confronting the combative insurgents, who “seek to divide” the nation, at the battlefronts, just as he expressed his gratitude to gallant heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice to keep our territorial boundary “united and indivisible.”
While praying for the victory of the serving soldiers, Ambode reassured the families of the fallen patriots that Lagosians “remain committed to their welfare and well-being.”
Ambode who was represented by the Deputy Governor Dr.(Mrs) Oluranti Idiat Adebule, at the Remembrance Arcade at Tafawa Balawa Square Lagos, said Lagosians, would continue to honour departed valiant soldiers.
The Governor said the exploits, the bravery and patriotism of soldiers were worth celebrating, and that everyone should rise and support our Armed Forces in recognition of their invaluable services. They fell or were injured in the service to the nation, so that “we can continue to live in peace.”
He said: “We still remember the sad memory of the Civil War, where lives and properties were lost across the land, he stated.
Religious leaders, Christian and Muslims, who were also members of Armed Forces, all from the 9 Brigade, prayed for victory of our soldiers at various strife zones (especially in the North-East), for serving soldiers, for families of fallen patriots, for ex-service men who suffered burden of wars, for Legionaries, for peace and harmony in the nation and for success and peaceful elections.
Major (Venerable) T. E. Ogbonyomi, Chaplin, represented the Protestant and Captain (Reverend) M. Nwafor represented the Catholic. Both prayed for Christians. Major S. I.Harisu prayed for Muslims.
Others at the Wreaths Laying Ceremony were the Lagos Secretary to the State Governor; Mr. Tunji Bello; Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola; Hon. Commissioner,
Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef; Mrs. Toyin Awoseyi, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, along with the body of Permanent Secretary; the representative of Oba of Lagos, as well as other White Cap chiefs.
Except the Commissioner of Police, who was represented by Deputy
Commissioner, Eleanor Ayuba, all the Service Chiefs in Lagos were present: Brigadier General T. A Lagbaja, Rear Admiral O.E. Eyo, Air Commodore S.O. Makinde and the Chairman of Legionnaires in Lagos, RTR. Col. Samuel Fola Akande.
Photo Caption
From the right Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef; The Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Idiat Adebule; the Secretary of State, Mr. Tunji Bello and the Head of Service, Mr. Muri-Okunola at the 2019 Wreaths Laying Ceremony, Remember Arcade, Tafawa Balewa, Square, Lagos on Tuesday, 15, 2019 during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.