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The Nigerian Legion is partnering with a private initiative to raise fund in catering for over 8,000 ex-servoceme.in Lagos State.
The initiative, which will be carried out through reality TV show and sales of Nigerian Army stickers to not less than five million residents, is to support widows of fallen heroes and ex-servicemen.
There are ‘queens’ in Lagos who are expected to go round the streets to sell stickers and the fund so realized will be channelled to the ex-servicemen who are languishing in pain.
This was disclosed during a press conference at the Nigerian Legion office, Oshodi, Lagos. The fund raising initiative is tagged, ‘Five million salutes.’
In his speech, the Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Lagos State Command, Akeem Olawale Wolimon said, “It is heartbreaking to witness the countless challenges our veterans face , even after retiring from active service. These brave individuals , who have valiantly fouht for our peace and protected our sovereignty now often found themselves in the shadows, neglected and forgotten.
“But today, we gather here to change the narrative. Today, we stand united to extend our heartfelt gratitude and support to the Nigerian legion.
“Today, I beseech Goverment, the private sector and every compassionate Nigerian to rise in the unity and support the Nigerian Legion. Let us extend a helping hand to these heroes who have done so much for us by providing then with the care and dignity they deserve.
Also speaking, the initiator of the project, Olafemi George said beyond whatever predicaments, the ex-servicemen were people who had sacrificed for the country.
He noted, “It is important we become a nation that celebrates these people so that those that are serving will come to know that when they are no longer in service, they still have a nation that loves them.
“We are here to celebrate the vision of the veterans through five million votes. This is to help raise financial support through the sale of five million stickers. It is very important to help our veterans,” he appealed.
The Permanent Secretary Lagos State ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Oloruntoyin Atekoja . believes the desire of the Legion was to ensure that “the labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain.”
The Permanent Secretary who was represented by Bisi Omojare said, despite the current challenges in the country, veterans and Nigeians as a whole should not lose hope.
She promised that the ministry would continue to give support to the families of the fallen heroes, adding that their labour would be remember and appreciated.
In her speech, Miss Team Nigeria, Kosi Nwogu said, “Today we stand united in solidarity with the widows and orphans of these heroes. We draw attention to their struggles, their challenges and their often silent battles. Each widow carries the burden of a lost love, an empty space at the dinner table and a future forever altered. Each child left without a parent grapples with the ache of missing that tender embrace that guiding hand that once steadied their every step.
“It is a solemn duty bestow upon us to bridge the gap between these courageous veterans and the society they protected. We must provide the widows and orphans with the support and care they deserve. We cannot allow their sacrifices to be in vain or their struggles to be ignored.”
