By Francis Sadhere, Warri
As Nigeria remembers its fallen and standing heroes in the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the chairman of Warri South Local Government Area of Delta, Dr Michael Tidi, has called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of peace through dialogue, consultation and inter-ethnic harmony rather than conflict.
He therefore, urged all ensure that the unity of the nation is placed above all other interest so that our veteran soldiers who died in the course of fighting for the unity of Nigeria may not have done so in vain.
Tidi said this on Monday 15th January 2024, during the 2024 launching of emblem/grand finale of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held for the first time at the Warri South Main Secretariat, Warri
The Warri South council chairman also, used the opportunity of the occasion to encourage people to show heartfelt appreciation to the great sacrifices and indeed altruism of our veteran soldiers.
“This, we can demonstrate through the spirit of peaceful co-existence and tolerance with one another as a way of immortalizing the efforts of these heroes and heroines who paid the supreme price so that we may remain unite
“As you may be aware, a crisis situation anywhere and anytime in the world has never added to human value. It is therefore important for us to sustain the democratic governance which has provided for amicable and organized means of resolving our differences
“Those of us who are living witness to any civil unrest will attest that violence is an evil wind that has blown no society any good. Instead, it leaves a lasting scar of wanton destruction, human waste, increased widowhood and orphans and a period of untold hardship,” Tidi said.
Tidi, who kicked off the fund raising called on all guests present to contribute generously towards the Appeal Fund, explaining that the purpose of the Appeal Fund was to raise funds for the upkeep of the orphans and widows of the departed soldiers and the surviving but disabled veterans.
He assured all present that the funds being raised would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for the well-being of the dependents of the fallen heroes and disable soldiers.
“I would like to state that this celebration calls for sober reflection and a high sense of tolerance and sacrifice by all and sundry. Today’s gathering is another opportunity for you to contribute towards this noble course.
“Permit me to particularly thank our Royal Fathers for contributing to this fund year after year. I must not fail to mention our church leaders who have always ensured that prayers and collections are made towards this noble course. May the good Lord bless you and replenish your purse. Amen,” Tidi said.
Earlier, Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Warri South Chapter, Rtd Major Pius Unurhiere, commended the Warri South Chairman for erecting the statue of the “Unknown Soldier” at the council Secretariat. He also thanked those who donated to the appeal fund.
“Chairman, we honestly appreciate you and your team for the marvelous work, bringing the “Unknown Soldier” to where it can be recognize. Now that the cenotaph is within the Head quarter, I wish to request the honourable to provide an office for the legion to make our presence around the cenotaph
“At these junction, I and my colleagues wishes to give a big thanks to the Executive Chairman for his caring and listening, to all the members of the local government, we say thank you. A big thank you to the security operator for their selfless sacrifice,” Unurhiere said.
High point of the ceremony was the laying of wreaths and observation the national silence by the Warri South Council Chairman and those present at the ceremony.
