GOV. WIKE TASKS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO SET UP A SPECIAL WELFARE FUND FOR THE NIGERIAN LEGION...
GOV. WIKE TASKS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO SET UP A SPECIAL WELFARE FUND FOR THE NIGERIAN LEGION ... Extols The Leadership Qualities of Bishop Ordu
The Executive Governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has tasked the Federal Government to set up a special welfare fund for members and families of the armed forces who served in the two world wars and the Nigerian Civil War to ameliorate their sufferings.
The Governor stated this at the special thanksgiving service in commemoration of the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations held today, Sunday, January 8, 2023, at the All Saints Cathedral Church, (Anglican Communion), Rumuokwurusi, Rivers State.
"Every serious government should have a standing welfare fund specially set up for the families of the retired servicemen, considering that no amount is too much in appreciating the labours of those whose sacrifices ensured the unity of our country, Nigeria," he said.
The Governor also lauded the leadership qualities of the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo, The Rt. Rev. Innocent Uchechukwu Ordu, JP, DSSRS, describing him as a true man of God and an exemplary leader.
"I must express my satisfaction at the amazing work I have seen here in this cathedral. I will continue to support the Diocese."
"I have never doubted the leadership qualities of Bishop Ordu, but coming here today and seeing the quality of things in this Cathedral, I now have more love and greater respect for him."
"This is why I will continue to love and support him because he has shown that he is a true man of God," Governor Wike said.
Delivering his sermon titled, "A Blessed Memory" with text from Prov. 10:7, the Vicar of All Saints Cathedral, Ven. Alex Usifoh, applauded the sacrifices of the retired servicemen, stating that "their sacrifices cannot be easily forgotten."
Ven. Usifoh further noted that a blessed memory is service that leaves an impact, loud legacies, and unchallenged monuments that will cut across generations.
Ven. Usifoh urged Nigerians, especially those in positions of authority, to ensure that they bequeath worthy legacies that would have a positive impact on society.
He noted the sacrifices made by the ex-servicemen and other members of the armed forces working under adverse conditions without adequate equipment.
He said the fallen heroes and war veterans who served the nation had made valuable sacrifices, giving up their comfort while fighting against insurrection and secession attempts in order to keep Nigeria united and in peace.
He explained that a blessed memory is evoked by a worthy legacy left behind, and urged Nigerians to conduct their affairs in a manner that leaves a positive impact in their work places, communities, and at the state level, without wasting the opportunities so generously given to them.
While praying that God gives grace to everyone to have such a mindset to leave an enduring impact on the sands of time, Ven. Usifoh urged Nigerians to continue to support the families of the war veterans in appreciation of the sacrifices they have made.
He admonished leaders in all areas of life to impact people positively with love and fear of God so as to leave amazing footprints on the sands of time.
During intercession, the church prayed for the Nigerian Legion, the families of the fallen heroes, the state government, the Nigerian government, and Nigeria as a country.
One of the highlights of the service was the Cathedral choir treating the congregation to a melodious rendition.
The 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Service was also attended by chaplains from various military chaplaincies, members of the Nigerian Legion, the Armed Forces, top government functionaries, traditional rulers, and the political class.
Signed,
Diocese of Evo Directorate of Media and Communications
Sunday, January 8, 2023
