Elections: Akeredolu Wants  Prayers for Peace, Security

Fidelis David in Akure

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN)  yesterday  solicited ceaseless prayers for the peace and security of the country and Ondo State in particular,  as the forthcoming general elections draw nearer.

Governor Akeredolu, who vowed to continue to fight and give everything for the survival of the country insisted that Nigeria must survive and harped on need to rotate the presidency for equality and fairness.

Akeredolu spoke  at the Holy Service commemorating the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jesus House Cathedral, Region 22 Headquarters, Oke-Ijebu, Akure, the state capital.

The governor, while appreciating all the security agencies in the state including the Military, Police, Department of Security Service (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence  Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, and the Nigerian Legion for their commitment and resilience in protecting Ondo State and serving the nation, charged Nigerians to conduct themselves in a peaceful and patriotic manner during the electioneering and on the election day.

The governor, who took the first Lesson from the Book of 2 Samuel 1:17-27, disclosed that the celebration  is held annually to rekindle interest in the affairs of the families, dependants and relations of Nigerians who lost their lives in wars and peacekeeping operations across the globe.

His words: “I am equally mindful of the fact that several security challenges have claimed lives of many of our great officers and soldiers.”  

“Indeed, the selfless services of our men in this noble profession, to ensuring national cohesion and global peace cannot be quantified.  The annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration is, therefore, to honour our departed war heroes and veterans and appreciate those still alive particularly those that had suffered various deprivations in the cause of their duties and operations.

“I wish to reiterate that the annual celebration will not be complete without creating avenue for us to thank God for how far he had led us as a nation and as a State. This solemn service is equally an opportunity to commit the dependants of the departed heroes and those amongst them that are still alive, into God’s hands. Aside this, the occasion provides an avenue for us to pray for God’s protection upon those that are currently in active service for successes in whatever peacekeeping operations they might be called upon to participate in.

“As much as our prayers are needed, there is the constant need for our generous supports both in cash and kind for the widows and dependants of the fallen heroes, the veterans: those who are still alive and those physically challenged. One of the numerous ways to do this is to donate generously through the Emblem Appeal Fund. Kindly permit me, therefore, to emphasise here that the proceeds from the sale of Emblems is strictly for the Nigerian Legion for the welfare of the Ex-servicemen and their dependants,” the governor said.

The Pastor in charge of the Region, Pastor Elijah Ajibade, in his message titled, “Appreciating the Sacrifice of our Patriots”, also thanked the state government for holding the programme at the church.

Also, Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Brig. Gen. Muktar Adamu, represented by Lt. Col. Andrews Osueke, thanked Governor Akeredolu for his unwavering commitment to the security of the state by giving necessary support to security agencies in the sunshine state.