ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY: AYADE PLEDGES CONTINUOUS SUPPORT FOR NIGERIAN LEGION

*ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY: AYADE PLEDGES CONTINUOUS SUPPORT FOR NIGERIAN LEGION*

By Ekanem Ekanem-Faith

Cross River State Governor, Sir Benedict Ayade has assured that his administration will continue to support and contribute to improving the living standard and the general welfare of the members of the Nigerian Legion.

Governor Ayade, said this at the Church Service in honour of the fallen heroes and serving Officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces held at the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Diocese of Calabar, Cross River State.

The Governor represented by his Deputy, His Excellency Prof. Ivara Ejemot Esu said, ‘’Today as we remember the patriotic services rendered by the men of the Armed Forces in their various theater of war, some paid the supreme price, others were seriously injured and they will carry their scars for life, others have become physically handicapped. These sacrifices were made by gallant soldiers during the first and second world wars and are still been made by serving officers in the Armed Forces. Nigeria showed its presence alongside other African countries and also contributed troops to many conflict zones in Africa.’

.

He urged the public to support the welfare of the families of the fallen heroes by purchasing the emblems, making general donations and assistance in anywhere possible.

He further invited them for the wreath-laying ceremony at the Millennium Park (Cenotaph) on Wednesday, January 15 and also commended the efforts and sacrifices of the Men of the Armed Forces and advised them to do more.

The Deputy Governor and the acting chairman Nigerian Legion Comrade Michael Ekok, took the reading of the Scriptural lessons taken from 2Kings 5:1-20 and Acts 10:34-43.

The service was conducted by the Archbishop of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Diocese of Calabar, His Grace, Most Rev. Emmanuel .O. Udofia.

In his sermon tagged: ‘’The Baptism of Jesus Christ’’ taken from Matt. 3:13-17, Archbishop Udofia charged all to consecrate  and submit themselves to God for cleansing and strive to live in obedience to God’s word.

He advised the serving officers to protect the integrity of their profession by being honest and living right, as so doing, God will promote and keep them and their family safe.

The clergy prayed for peace in the country, particularly for Cross River State and the forth coming Local Government Elections in the State