Saraki, Dogara Seek Enhanced Welfare for Military

Saraki, according to a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, made the call after laying a wreath at the National Arcade to commemorate the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, led by President Muhammadu Buhari. He lauded the national attention being accorded the nation’s armed forces through the annual celebration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, and said it is time to do more for members of the armed forces still serving and those who have retired, while not neglecting the families of the fallen heroes. Saraki said: “I must commend the federal government for its commitment to ensure that the nation’s armed forces are fully catered for in terms of operational logistics and welfare packages. But there is room for more when you consider that these are men who have given their all and continue to give their all for the security, stability and prosperity of the country. “While serving members of the armed forces must be made to feel that their effort at protecting the territorial integrity of the country and assisting in the maintenance of law and order internally – often at the risk of their very lives – is not in vain, the welfare of the immediate families of all our fallen heroes must be given due consideration,” he stated. While commending the leadership and members of the Nigerian armed forces for their continuous support to civil authorities in ensuring the safety of lives and property in all parts of the country, he called on them not to relent in restoring peace to all troubled parts of the country. On his part, Dogara commended the courage and sacrifice of men of the Nigerian Armed Forces, maintaining that their efforts at preserving the territorial integrity of the country and security of lives and property would never go unrecognised. The Speaker noted that it is certainly the manifestation of the ultimate act of courage and sacrifice to willingly take up a role to put one’s life at risk in order to secure the sovereignty of the whole nation. He also remembered the families of the fallen heroes who have been deprived of the presence and care of their loved ones, adding that though no compensation could ever replace them, it is the duty of the government to ensure that their welfare is not compromised by ensuring that their full entitlements are always paid without delay. He said:”As we mark the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, let us remember to always show genuine appreciation to gallant men and women who deprived themselves of so much so that we may have this nation, Nigeria. Even in death, their sacrifice will never be in vain. “We haven’t forgotten their efforts and acts of courage in the war against Boko Haram in the North-east. Our experience, at the peak of this insurgency only emphasises how our country would have been if we didn’t have dedicated men and women constantly on guard to protect the sovereignty of Nigeria. According to him: “The House of Representatives will continue to partner with the executive to ensure that the Armed Forces are properly funded to be able to discharge their duties effectively. “We forever remain indebted to them, and want to use this occasion to say thank you for your sacrifice for all Nigerians.” Meanwhile, as part of the grand finale of the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance ceremony yesterday, President Muhammadu Buhari; praised men of the armed forces for their courage and sacrifices as they grapple with diverse and contemporary security challenges plaguing the country. He pledged that his administration would continue to do all within its power and resources to ensure that their welfare is adequately catered for. He stressed that he “looked forward to a time when business concerns and service providers in the country would give special recognition and consideration to the distinguished citizens and support the veterans’ cause in any way they can through voluntary donations, employment opportunities and welfare support.” He observed that “as a government, we desire to improve the capability of our Armed Forces. I am glad that our efforts are yielding positive results already in boosting the morale of men and women of the armed forces. “We will continue to engage them in training and retraining to improve on their capacity to discharge their constitutional roles. “As I launch the Emblem today, I call on all Nigerians, the Diaspora and our friends to donate generously to the cause of the Nigerian Legion and families of the Fallen Heroes,” he stated.]]>