Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi on Monday called on the private sector to support efforts at making life more meaningful for ex-military servicemen in the country.
Speaking at the launching of the year 2012 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem in Ado Ekiti, Governor Fayemi described the ex-servicemen as “our brothers and sisters who had served this nation in their various capacities at their prime in the spirit of patriotism”.
Fayemi lamented that many of those that did not lose their lives, lost parts of their bodies and are of no more effective use to themselves, adding that their problems were further compounded by the prevailing poverty, hunger, hardship, uncertainty and hopelessness in the society.
The Governor, who said his administration will continue to support this set of people, said this crop of gallant Nigerians deserve to be loved, recognised and assisted to make a worthwhile living.
This, he said, can be realised through the joint efforts of various organisations in the private sector, other employers of labour and individuals to help these now helpless Nigerians.
The Governor said: “I therefore wish to plead with corporate and private organisations as well as spirited individuals to contribute generously towards the success of this Appeal Fund and engage the services of those still able in gainful employment.
“We cannot afford to give to them the crumbs from the feast. We must take out of our substance in order to help them, as they now need our assistance in order to live and sustain themselves.
“The Governor who stressed the need to create permanent sources of income for the national heroes and their dependants, appealed to Ekiti people to contribute generously to the remembrance fund in memory of the fallen heroes.
Dr. Fayemi also used the opportunity to express gratitude to the people of the state for what he described as their “unflinching support” for his administration. He however urged them to maintain peace in order to sustain the current pace of development in the state.
“In view of the prevailing precarious situation in the country, I urge you to live peacefully in order to sustain the current pace of development in our dear state.
The Chairman of the Ekiti State Chapter of the Nigeria Legion, Col Richard Ogunboyo (rtd) had earlier in his address, appealed to the state government for what he called “something substantial” towards alleviating the suffering of the ex-servicemen.
Col Ogunboyo stressed that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day should be seen beyond a yearly ritual adding that the sacrifices of the fallen heroes towards achieving the present unity and peace in the country must be recognised and acknowledged.