Governor Simon Bako Lalong has commended members of the Armed Forces for the role they have played in Plateau and Nigeria to sustain peaceful coexistence.
The Governor spoke on 15th January 2023 shortly after laying the wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldiers at the JD Gomwalk Secretariat Cenotaph Jos, to mark the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day
“Officers and men of the security services have made tremendous sacrifices towards ensuring that there is peace and security in the country and should therefore receive commensurate respect and goodwill”, Lalong told newsmen in Jos after the ceremony.
He promised to empower the ex-service men and their families with skills acquisition programmes before he leaves office this year.
The Governor said despite the security challenges being experienced in various parts of the country, the security personnel must not be condemned, or their morale dampened.
The Governor emphatically expressed appreciation for the role that the security agencies have played in restoring peace to the state and are still doing to make it difficult for criminals to make a foothold in any part of the state.
The Governor spearheaded the traditional ritual of laying of wreaths to honour the unknown soldiers, joined by other top government officials and stakeholders including Speaker, House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Yakubu Sanda, Chief Judge of Plateau State, Justice David Mann, General and the General Officer (GOC) Commanding 3rd Armoured Division, NAF Commander, Commissioner of Police.
Other stakeholders who performed the wreath laying in honour of the fallen heroes were the Chairman Nigerian Legion, Plateau State Chapter, Col. Sati Yilwat, representatives of wives of the fallen heroes, Helen Sabo, the Plateau State Traditional Council represented by Agwon Izere Isaac Wakili.
A symbolic part of the occasion was the release of white pigeons as a mark of peace by the Governor.
Lalong earlier inspected the military Guards of Honour who were colorfully clad in their military regelia.
Aside rendering the symbolic 3 gun salutes, prayers were also offered for the repose of the souls of fallen heroes who died while serving their country and protecting its territorial integrity.
