RIVERS State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has announced a donation of N20m to each of the families of three policemen recently killed by gunmen in the state.
Also, the governor said the yearly raising of funds for the welfare of war veterans and families of fallen heroes should be discouraged.
Rather, Wike suggested the Federal Government should set up a standing fund for that purpose, which will be replenished with yearly budgetary allocation as done in countries that truly value the contributions of security agencies.
Wike spoke at the Rivers State Emblem Appeal Fund launch at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt, where he launched the Emblem with N50 million on behalf of Rivers State government.
The governor emphasised that the day set aside to launch the emblem should only be for remembrance purposes, reflecting on the sacrifices made by men and women of the armed forces in keeping Nigerians together and ensuring peace prevails in the country.
“I think we are tired in this country with every year meeting to launch an emblem to support families of fallen heroes. What I think, as it is done in advanced countries, is that a day should be used for remembrance of our (veterans’) efforts.
“That means, by now, as a country, we should have a standing fund that will take care of families of fallen heroes. That is what serious countries do and we should be talking about.”
In his speech, Rivers State Chairman of Nigerian Legion, Justice Chichi, noted the immeasurable support members of the legion have received from Rivers State Government under the leadership of Wike.
Chichi declared that no one else across the country had contributed to the welfare of the legionnaires as much as the Rivers State governor.
Secretary to Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, said the appeal fund launch signals the commencement of the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations in the state.
The event, he noted, is organised in acknowledgement of the selfless services rendered by men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces to ensure the civil population enjoy peace.Port Harcourt council Chairman, Allwell Ihunda, launched the emblem with N23 million on behalf of 23 councils, among launchers.
