Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Sunday, said the state would continue to provide more support to the security agencies and also continue to strengthen the security architecture so as to keep residents of the state safe and secure and maintain peace and order.
The governor stated this at The Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, during a service to commemorate the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Celebration Church service.
Governor Makinde, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government ( SSG), Professor Olanike Adeyemo, stated that the state government will not relent in pursuing a cause that would further boost the morale of security agents so that they can do more in securing Oyo State.
He added that the state has been showing its appreciation for the sacrifices of the officers and men of the Armed Forces through different means, including providing logistic and welfare support to encourage them to do their jobs effectively.
He said: “Our gathering here today is in continuation of a worthy tradition, as it is being done all over the nation, to celebrate and honour the sacrifices, patriotic passion and gallantry of the Men and Officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“It is one thing for us to gather every year to eulogise these patriotic and brave men and women, but as Ronald Reagan once enjoined ‘if words cannot repay the debt we owe these men, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to final sacrifice.
“Therefore, during these commemorative activities, more than ever before, it is pertinent to ask ourselves individually and collectively how we are honouring and supporting these brave and gallant men and women, who even as we speak, are being attacked, maimed, and killed by non-state actors like Boko Haram, bandits, kidnappers, and others.
“On our part as Oyo State Government, we are showing in practical terms our deep appreciation for the sacrifices of our gallant patriots. Just last week, we handed over an additional 100 operational vehicles to security agencies in the state to strengthen the security architecture in the State.
“We are also grateful for the profound collaboration we are enjoying with the Nigerian Armed Forces, especially those with command locations in our state.
“I am glad that our efforts are yielding positive results in boosting the morale of the men and women of the Armed Forces, while making Oyo one of the safest states in the country. “
The governor also used the opportunity of the event to appreciate the Nigerian Legion for its effort in maintaining comradeship of servicemen and servicewomen after retirement.
He enjoined individuals and prominent people in the state to always honour and support the Armed Forces and other allied security agencies, who are valiantly working to maintain internal peace, harmony and safety, as well as guarding the country’s borders against external attacks.
Earlier in his sermon, the Diocesan Bishop of the Ibadan Anglican Diocese, Rt Reverend Williams Aladekugbe, thanked the governor and the government for making the state enviable through various unprecedented developmental projects.
While appreciating the men and women of the Nigerian Legion and the Armed Forces for their sacrifices of love and labour, he also charged them to continue to serve the nation and humanity wholeheartedly, assuring them of God’s rewards for their faithful service.
Special prayers were offered for Nigeria, Oyo State, the Armed Forces and the family of the fallen heroes.
The church service had in attendance the Oyo State Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Honourable Justice Adediran Akintola; the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni (mni); Oyo State Government functionaries and service commanders in the state.
