By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
The acting governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of families of fallen heroes in recognition of their selfless contributions towards the security, peace and development of the state and nation.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo stated this on Wednesday during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration/Emblem Appeal Fund Launch at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Yenagoa.
The acting governor in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, described the emblem appeal launch as a solemn occasion to honour the memories and sacrifices made by the departed heroes who paid the supreme price for the unity and peaceful co-existence of the country.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo acknowledged that though the country was not experiencing any external security threat, the Nigerian Armed Forces over the years had been engaged in containing various insecurity issues across the country, particularly in the Northern part of Nigeria.
He applauded both serving and retired officers and men of the Armed forces for ensuring that Bayelsa remained one of the peaceful states in the country, and assured them of government’s continued support towards improving the welfare of widows and children left behind by the slain heroes.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo equally commended the various security agencies for their professionalism in handling security issues during the EndSARS and EndBadGovernance protests in the country, noting that due to their diligence, the state did not witness any destruction of government infrastructure.
While responding to requests made by the State Council of the Nigerian Legion, the Acting Governor directed Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimbofa Ayawei, to ensure the immediate implementation of the increment in their monthly overhead.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo equally directed the Chief of Staff, Dr Peter Akpe to liaise with the leadership of the state legionnaires on the issue of yuletide palliatives to cushion the economic hardship and also promised that the state governor would look into their request for an official vehicle upon his return from annual vacation.
His words: “On this very solemn and profound occasion, the government and people of the state owe you a lot of gratitude for the positive contributions to the peace, stability and development of the state.
” I assure you that the shoulders of government are there for both serving and retired officers and we are committed to seeking ways on how best to improve your welfare.
“The Emblem launch to us has become an annual ritual. It’s more than just an emblem launch since it’s a period for us to remember those who have sacrificed and paid the supreme price for our peaceful co-existence.
“And so, we want to use this opportunity to honour those who have served and retired, and also those who are still serving need to be encouraged for services rendered.
“Even though today we are not in open combat, the Nigerian military and Armed Forces are still engaged in various active combat in the North West, North East, North Central, and here in South South, South East and South West. Our men are not resting on their oars.
“You have made Bayelsa to become one of the peaceful states in the country not because there have been no challenges but because you have been very professional in the discharge of your duties.”
Earlier in his address, Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Bayelsa State Council, Assistant Commandant General, Elder Ogele Okubokekeme, expressed gratitude to the state government for supporting the families of fallen and living heroes as well as incapacitated veterans.
Elder Okubokekeme also appreciated the governor for the release of funds in fulfillment of his promise last year, which he said was utilised for the empowerment of select widows and medically challenged ex-service personnel across the 8 local government areas.
He thanked members of the executive and others for their generous donations towards the Emblem Appeal Week.
