AFRD Appeal Fund: Yahaya Donates N5 Million To Families Of Fallen Heroes

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has donated N5 million to support families of fallen heroes through the 2022/2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) Emblem Appeal Fund.

The appeal fund was launched on Friday at the Banquet hall of the state's Government House.

The governor assured of the state government's continuous support of the families of the fallen heroes in making their lives bearable. 

The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Manassah Daniel Jatau, stressed the need to support the fallen heroes who paid the supreme price while serving the country.

"To the Creator be the glory and gratitude for granting us His grace, mercy and love to see year 2023 and to be here to witness this (national annual “ritual) that put to test our feelings towards fellow human beings especially fallen heroes, their families and members of the Nigerian Legion who for one reason or the other are facing challenges. 

"In good time however, let me convey the greetings, goodwill and prayers of His Excellency, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the government and also the entire residents in Gombe State on this memorable occasion.

"He would have loved to be here but unable to do so due to some official engagements. 

"The event we are gathered here today is not novel, as it has been an annual event that used to be marked on the 11th November annually known as Poppy Day solely to honour veterans of the World Wars I and II. 

"That we are now celebrating the event annually on the 15th January, and with a different name is due to the unfortunate events and happenings that culminated into the Civil War we experienced in Nigeria.  

"By God’s grace, that ugly and undesirable situation came to an end on the 15th of January 1970.  

"Subsequently, the Federal Government of Nigeria decided to mark the 15th of January as a day to remember the fallen heroes and the eventual end of the Civil War. 

"It is the sincere wish, hope and prayer of His Excellency, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and all those who love Nigeria that God should forbid the re-occurance of that event that took Nigeria on retrogression in its attempt to develop.

"Acknowledging the importance of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day and the activities associated with that, His Excellency, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has since coming to power on the 29th of May 2019, manifested a great political will in supporting this event.  

"Accordingly he has been actively involved in the preparation and celebration of the day.  

"Being a Governor that has the human feelings of all residents in the state, he embarked on projects that impact positively on the basic needs of human beings viz security, health, education, roads, attraction of investors among others. 

"Of course all these are ventures that the families of the fallen heroes and members of the Nigerian Legion are also witnessing and benefiting from".

"Furthermore, when the state had cause to assist the people with palliatives, the widows of the fallen heroes are always considered. 

"My dear veterans and family members of the fallen Heroes, Gombe State hereby launch this year’s Appeal Fund with the sum of Five Million Naira, as I call on individuals and organizations to donate towards this noble and desired events."