By Ayo Olonode
As Osun climaxes the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration with a thanksgiving service, the Governor of the State of Osun, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, on Sunday, has lauded the Nigerian armed forces for their commitment to the unity of the nation charging them to remain resolute in the face of adversity.
He added that the history of armed forces in Nigeria is laden with challenges across different era, but the armed forces had waxed strong over the years.
Oyetola, who spoke through his Deputy, Mr Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, at the thanksgiving service held at the Methodist Church Cathedral of the Living Spring, Isale Aro, Osogbo, commended the armed forces for their contribution to the continued survival of the country.
He said: “We thank the representatives of the armed forces present here today, whose support towards the sustained survival of the country. We also recognise that without you our sovereignty after independence could not have been sustained.
“We thank you for all your successful and peace keeping missions across Africa, since 1963 in Congo, and your efforts in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Sao Tome and Principe, Gambia and a host of others.
“You have made Nigeria proud, and you have gained recognition as a formidable force in Africa.
” We also recognise your efforts during the 30 months civil war that we had in this country in the past. Any country that has witnessed civil war before will know how devastating it is. But our armed forces have remained committed to ensuring that we still have a country called Nigeria.
“More recently, we have had the menace of insurgency, militancy and banditry, but our armed forces remain committed in all of this. You are our hero because you ensure that we can still move around safely despite these menacing issues.
“We charge you to remain focused, committed and strong while doing your statutory obligation of protecting our territorial integrity. The government of the state of Osun will always be there to support you in your endeavours”, he stated.
