Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has appealed to the civil populace, especially private school proprietors, to assist the children of deceased soldiers by awarding scholarships to them as a way to cushion the effects of the loss of their bread-winners.
The Governor made the request on Wednesday in his remarks at the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at the Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square, New Owerri, Imo State.
He said: “Beyond the annual observance there is need to focus on the significance of the fallen heroes who scarified and laid down their lives for others for the peace and continued existence of our country, Nigeria as one entity,” noting that “the sacrifice is the highest form of patriotism for which we can never repay them enough.”
“Patriotism is the love of one’s country. These Nigerians we are remembering today love Nigeria unto death,” he added and asserted that “we have various contributions to make to demonstrate our love for Nigeria.”
Uzodimma said: “Nigerians need to do all within their powers to support the families of the departed gallant soldiers. The support could be physical, through monetary assistance; emotional, through kind words of consolations and encouragement, hence the need to be with them, to reassure them that their husbands and fathers did not die in vain.”
He saluted Faith-based organisations and other Non Governmental Organisations who have been faithful in offering support, assistance and succour to the families of the departed soldiers and appealed that they should not limit their assistance to the Armed Forces Remembrance Day only, “but rather extend help whenever we have the resources.”
Uzodimma said that such selfless responsibilities are always rewarded by God who sees in the secret.
On the side of his administration, Uzodimma assured of continuing assistance to both the families of the departed and serving personnel, saying that “Imo people owe the security agencies immense gratitude for helping us to battle insecurity.”
He regretted that some of them have died in the course of maintaining peace in the State, and assured that his government will continue to honour the memories of such heroes.
Again, he appealed to Imo people not to hesitate in volunteering helpful information to the security agencies in the fight against insecurity, using the occasion to remind those who have been stoking the fires of insecurity in the State, and indeed, Nigeria, to see the solemn event of Armed forces Remembrance Day as a sober opportunity to reflect on the consequences of war and violence as an ill-wind that blows no one any good.
“They should repent and turn a new leaf for peace to reign in our land.”
Uzodimma used the occasion to extend Imo State’s support and appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support, assistance, encouragement and funding of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the fight against insecurity in the Country.
He equally thanked the Armed Forces for their gallantry, and assured them that they are not alone and will not be abandoned as his administration will continue to support them.
He also prayed for the Armed Forces as a whole, the people of Imo State and Nigeria in general for peace and unity of the country.
During the event, Governor Uzodimma had laid a wreath as the Special Guest of honour, signed the Register and performed the symbolic release of pigeons to signify peace in the land.
The ceremony was attended by the Wife of the Governor, Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma, the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe and members of the House of Assembly.
Others include the three Senators of Imo State extraction, members of the Federal House of Representatives, members of the Judiciary, members of the State Executive Council, the leadership of APC at the national, zonal and state levels, local government Chairmen and councillors.
Others were the former Governor of the State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, former Deputy Governors of Imo State (Dr. Jude Agbaso and Chief Mrs. Ada Okewulonu), traditional rulers, all Service Chiefs serving in Imo State, captains of industries and others too numerous to mention.
Earlier in the day, Governor Uzodimma attended the Thanksgiving Church Service of the first year of his second tenure administration at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral Owerri where he recommitted his administration to the service of the people and enjoined all to join hands with him to ensure that Imo State is made the envy of other States in the country.
He thanked the leadership of the Church for their prayers at all times, and pleased with them to appreciate the efforts good people who are in government make to ensure that the society is served well.
The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Most Rev Lucius Ugorji thanked and prayed for the Governor for all he has done to provide good leadership in Imo State since assuming office and urged him not to loose focus so that he can do more.
Bishop Ugorji also prayed for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes in the spirit of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Thanksgiving Service, and urged the people to show love and kindness to the families of the deceased soldiers who died in the course of serving the Nation.