Speaker Implores FG To Enhance Welfare Packages For Families Of Slain Military Men

The Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, has called on the Federal Government to improve the welfare packages for the families of the departed military men who lost their lives while in active service.

The Speaker stated this shortly after the inter-denominational service to mark the Armed Forces Remembrance Day on Sunday, held at the Word Tabernacle Church, Osongama Estate in Uyo, the state capital.

Flanked by his wife, Mrs. Itohowo Bassey, the Speaker lauded the efforts of the Armed Forces in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and also noted that “we should pray more for the families of those died while serving the nation.”

The lawmaker further urged the Federal Government to prioritize the welfare of serving and retired military personnel as a way of appreciating their enormous sacrifices for the sustenance of peace and security in the country.

Earlier during the service, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, paid glowing tributes to the fallen heroes who laid down their lives in defence of national peace and unity.

Governor Emmanuel reiterated his administrations’ commitment to peace and security in the state and promised to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Women Affairs, to draw up programmes that will enhance the welfare of widows of the slain soldiers.

In his exhortation from the Book of 2 Timothy 4:7- 8, tagged “Reality of Spiritual Warfare,” the Senior Pastor of Word Tabernacle, Bishop (Dr.) Gabriel Nkanang, stressed on the need for every Christian to love and tolerate one another as consequences of war are always very devastating, adding that such virtues are needed for the growth and development of the state and nation.

According to him, Christians should cease from fighting physical battles as the battle is of the spirit. He exhorted Christians not to lose hope in battles but they should fight against sin, mindset and works of the devil.

He advised that everyone should take pride in their multiplicity and regard it as strength. The clergyman maintained that Christians should always be ready to promote the welfare of legionnaires and families of fallen heroes.

Participants in the event prayed for the peace and progress of Akwa Ibom State, the president, governor, Nigeria , the Armed Forces, Nigerian Legion and the families of the fallen heroes.

Also in attendance was the Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo; the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Godwin Abraham; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem; State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Col. Joseph Daniel Esu; Head of Service, Akwa Ibom State, Elder Effiong Essien; Commissioners led by their Dean, Dr. Glory Edet and members of the 7th Assembly among others.