Gov Douye Diri of Bayelsa has called for concerted efforts to build a Nigeria that embodied justice, equity and peace that was deserving of the sacrifices of the nation’s fallen heroes.
Diri stated this on Wednesday at this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the Peace Park in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital.
Paying tributes to the nation’s fallen heroes, he stressed the need to move beyond ceremonial gestures and ensure that their sacrifices were reflected in the progress and betterment of the society.
The governor said, as Nigerians gather annually to honour the memory of former and late soldiers, he was concerned about the paradox that underscored their ultimate sacrifice because they paid the supreme price so that others might live.
According to him: “The legacy of our heroes calls for a Nigeria where justice, equity, and prosperity are tangible realities for all citizens.
“It is about ensuring that policies and actions bring about meaningful and positive outcomes, addressing the needs of all Nigerians, and working towards the common good.
“Every decision, no matter how big or small, should be made with the aim of fostering unity, justice, peace, promoting development, and enhancing the welfare of every individual in our nation.”
Diri said that the cruel irony of war is that those who fought to bring us peace often did so at the cost of their own lives.
“The bravery and selflessness displayed by these remarkable individuals have inspired generations of Nigerians, and their legacy continues to shape the chapters of our nation’s history.
“We remember their sacrifices, their arduous struggles, and their ultimate giving as we honour their memory of striving to create a better Nigeria for every citizen,” he said.
To families of the fallen heroes, the governor pledged his administration’s support to them, stating that their sacrifices were a shared burden.
The governor also expressed gratitude to the security agencies for their role in ensuring that the state remained peaceful and secure.
He added that the government would continue to provide essential support to enable them perform their duties efficiently.
“The maintenance of law and order remains a priority for our administration, as it provides the foundation upon which we are constructing a prosperous and thriving society.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the laying of wreaths at the tomb of the unknown soldier by governor Douye Diri, his deputy, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere and others. (NAN)
