0
0
By Abdullahi Ahmed
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has formally launched the 2026 Emblem Appeal Fund Week as part of activities marking this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of serving and retired military personnel, as well as the families of fallen heroes, describing their sacrifices as the bedrock of national peace and stability.
“We commend the selfless service of our servicemen and women, which forms the foundation upon which our collective security and stability are built,” the Governor said at the launch in Ilorin.
He also paid tribute to veterans who returned from the battlefields, noting that many live with lasting scars from their service to the nation.
“It is our shared responsibility to ensure that they, and the families of our fallen heroes, are treated with dignity, care, and compassion,” he added.
Represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, Governor AbdulRazaq explained that the Emblem Appeal Fund provides a platform for citizens and organisations to support ex-servicemen, widows, and dependents.
“This is an opportunity to translate gratitude into concrete support and remembrance into action.
May the souls of our fallen heroes rest in perfect peace, and may our nation continue to enjoy peace and stability,” he said.
The event attracted top security chiefs, members of the Kwara State House of Assembly, including Hon. Olushola Odetundun, cabinet members, and other senior government officials.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Social Development, Dr. Mariam Nnafatima Imam, disclosed that over 40 beneficiaries—comprising widows of fallen heroes, orphans, and veterans living with disabilities—will be empowered during this year’s commemoration.
She said each beneficiary will receive ₦200,000 to support their livelihoods and improve living conditions.
Dr. Imam also recalled that Governor AbdulRazaq personally donated ₦10 million during last year’s Emblem Appeal Fund launch, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the state’s solidarity with serving personnel, veterans, and families of fallen heroes.
Earlier, the Kwara State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Brigadier General (Rtd) Anigiobi Abdulkadir, expressed appreciation to the Governor for the generous support in previous editions, noting that it had made a significant impact on the lives of beneficiaries.
The highlight of the ceremony included award presentations, cash empowerment to beneficiaries, and the formal launch of the remembrance emblem.
