2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Cross River pays tribute to fallen heroes

2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Cross River pays tribute to fallen heroes

By Eriacy Confidence Oba

Cross River State yesterday joined others  nationwide to commemorate the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration in Calabar.

His Excellency, the Governor of the state, Prof Ben Ayade,  represented by his deputy, Prof. Ivara Ejamot Esu led an entourage of top Government functionaries including service chiefs and members of the diplomatic corps to honour Nigerian's  heroes who lost their lives in defense of their motherland.

The tribute procession which began with the deputy Governor, Prof Ivara Ejamot Esu laying the wreath at the popular 111 round about, saw the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly Hon. Eteng Jonas Williams, the Acting Chief Judge of the state, His Lordship Justice Akon Ikpeme, the Commissioner for Humanity and social welfare, Hon. Mrs Blessing Otobha Egbara and others following suit in honour of the fallen heroes.

The deputy Governor led dignitaries to the signing of the register and release of the pigeons, a tradition which symbolizes the release of peace into the nation.

In an interview, Commissioner for Humanity and Social Welfare, Mrs Blessing Otobha Egbara, who began her speech with the statement" the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vein" appealed to all Nigerians to always remember and pray for all fallen heroes as well as support their  families left behind in the course of serving the nation. She said if not for their sacrifices, the nation would not be safe enough for us to live in"

" The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vein. Today we remember our fallen heroes who sacrificed themselves for the territorial integrity of our nation. We remember their gallantry and sacrifice in the defense of our nation. I wish to appeal to all Nigerians to always remember and pray for all fallen heroes as well as support their families. It is our duty to care for them and help them in any way we can"
The commissioner said.

The event which was organized by the ministry of humanity and social welfare saw the highest number of participation since inception in 1970.

Armed Forces Remembrance Day is celebrated on the 15th of January every year.