By Sumaila Ogbaje
As part of activities to commemorate the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Nigerian Legion has sensitised school children on the need to promote national unity and values of sacrifice.
The sensitisation programme was organised by Beracah Economic Empowerment Foundation to galvanise support for military veterans and families of fallen heroes.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sensitisation programme held on Thursday in Abuja, had the theme, “Honouring Our Heroes: Bridging the Generational Gap.”
The National Chairman, Nigerian Legion, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdul-Malik Jibril, said the students from various schools within the FCT, had been educated on the essence of wearing the emblems of the Armed Forces.
Jibril said the students, as patriotic citizens and leaders of tomorrow, had the responsibility of remembering the families of fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price to unite the country.
“We want to catch the minds of the youth at the early stage of their lives to remember the sacrifices of our fallen heroes.
“Our military personnel have dedicated themselves to keeping the country and its people safe, often at great personal cost.
“Alongside their families, they have made tremendous sacrifices, and we have to ensure that these sacrifices are acknowledged and appreciated,” he said.
He said while the past could not be altered, “we possess the power to influence the present and the future.
“How we choose to honour and respect our service members, both in life and in death, is a reflection of our values as a nation.
“It is an opportunity to demonstrate our gratitude for their service and sacrifice, to ensure they receive the care and recognition they rightfully deserve.”
Jibril said it was also a reminder that the nation should strive to treat those who served in various missions and their families better.
“It is a call to action, a reminder that the legacy of the brave veterans should be one of honour, respect and lasting gratitude,” the national chairman added.
According to him, the sacrifices are to ensure a safe and peaceful Nigeria and the world in general.
He added that the relative peace in Nigeria currently was as a result of the sacrifices made by soldiers.
He, therefore, called on all Nigerians to support the legion through generous donations to cater for the children and widows of fallen heroes.
The Executive Director, Beracah Economic Empowerment Foundation, Mrs Maria Emmanuel, said the initiative was aimed at teaching the young minds about sacrifice, duty, and the importance of cherishing the nation’s fallen heroes and veterans.
Emmanuel said it was essential to reflect on the tremendous sacrifices made by the brave soldiers, both past and present, who had selflessly given their lives to protect the nation and ensured safety and security of every citizen.
“They have fought valiantly in times of crises, defended our freedom, and secured our future and it is through their unwavering dedication and courage that we stand tall as a nation today.
“Hence, it is vital for our children to acknowledge and understand the sacrifices made by these remarkable individuals.
“By educating our youth and the true meaning of AFRD, we can instil gratitude, respect, and a deep sense of national pride within their hearts.
“We have a responsibility to pass on a legacy of our fallen heroes to future generations, ensuring that their memory lives on,” she said.
The AFRD is an annual event organised every Jan. 15, to honour members of the Nigerian armed forces and its veterans as well as celebrate the day the Nigerian Civil War ended.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the students recited poems in honour of the fallen heroes and veterans. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Salif Atojoko
