The retired military officers have appealed to Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State for support to alleviate their plights and integrate them into the activities of the state.
The Chairman, Enugu State Nigerian Legion of Ex-military Officers, Dr Emeka Igwesi, made the appeal during the commemoration of the “2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal Launch” held at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu on Tuesday.
Igwesi said that such support would improve the welfare and well-being of ex-servicemen as well as the families of the fallen heroes in the state.
“So your Excellency, we are making a passionate appeal to you to help in realising certain mandates of the military retirees’ body. We appeal to you to look further into our plights.
“These include donation of vehicles to the military veteran’s body and fully integrating them in the activities of the state.
“We also appeal for approving of monthly subvention to the military veterans in Enugu State as it is in some states of the federation to enable them cope with their objectives.
“Others are offering of scholarships to indigent children and orphans of our fallen and living heroes, empowering our widows and enabling quota to military veterans during State pilgrimages to make these elder statesmen feel a fulfilled life
“To intercede in respect of those who made pledges, particularly government officials, to redeem their pledges,” Igwesi said.
He equally urged the governor to incorporate the young retired military officers into the security architecture of the state, stressing that military veterans were highly disciplined, experienced and strong to contribute in the development of the state.
The chairman described Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration as an annual event set aside in memory of the fallen heroes and heroines who laid down their lives in the service of their fatherland.
According to him, it is also a period to keep faith with the dependants they left behind and moreso, in honour of the veterans – the living heroes, particularly those who were wounded in wars, the maimed, aged, sick and bedridden, amongst others of which majority are in dire need of the society’s recognition, help and support.
“It is further a period to enliven the spirit of our gallant men and women who are still in active service,” he said.
He recalled that Nigerian Armed Forces had at various times engaged in a number of military operations and activities, within and outside the country.
He added that in the process, a good number of them voluntarily laid down their lives in the service of their fatherland.
In a message to the event, Gov Mbah commended the retired military officers for their service in protecting and securing Nigeria, saying, “Your selfless sacrifice secures our democracy, strengthens our ability to serve and govern.
“Above all, protects our integrity, ensuring that each and every one of us as a people are able to explore and exploit our God-given talent and ensuring its possibility”.
Mbah, represented by his Deputy, Mr Ifeanyi Ossai, called on ex-military officers to go back to drawing board and design engagement protocol on how they could structurally work with state government to create a meaningful impact.
He added that a sustainable relationship through an organised structure would make more meaning and help in solving their challenges.
Launching the emblem earlier, the Acting Chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC), Enugu State, Dr Ben Nwoye, expressed the need for the legion to provide account number and follow-up with those that pledged.
He stated that at times those who pledged might forget but that constant reminder would make them redeem their pledges.