Governor Mr Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has as called on Nigerians to support widows and dependants of the military men and other security operatives who lost their lives defending the country.

Akeredolu made the call on Sunday at a church service commemorating the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, held at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Akure, the state capital.

The governor also called for support for those heroes who are still alive but physically challenged, describing their sacrifices as the zenith of patriotism.

He said, “I enjoin all of you to donate generously through the Emblem Appeal Fund. It goes without saying that the proceeds from the sale of Emblems are strictly for the Nigerian Legion in order for them to cater for the welfare of the ex-servicemen and the dependants of the fallen heroes.

“These are people who knew the danger and peril they face, who knew they were signing away their lives, comfort, family bond, at the expense of their wives and children, yet they gladly sign up to defend the territorial integrity of their fatherland and even pay the supreme sacrifice.

“We are, therefore, delighted to appreciate God Almighty and honour the sacrifices of these heroic and gallant soldiers, their spirit of patriotism, their toil and the blood they shed so that we may have a country we can proudly call our own where we will live in peace, harmony and co-exist safely and so that our territorial integrity can remain inviolable.”