AFRD: Security should remain national priority – Adeleke

Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has said that security of lives and property should be the major national priority of governments at all levels.

Adeleke said this at the wreath-laying ceremony for Armed Forces Remembrance Day, on Monday in Osogbo.

The governor said that a secured nation would enjoy a safe environment for human and capital development.

“As the laying of wreaths is held nationally today, we have to remember the special place of Osun in national defence.

“We are therefore not just remembering national heroes, but many of our own sons and daughters who paid supreme price and who are still in the trenches in defence of the nation.

“We are honouring the memory of the living and the dead,” he said.

Adeleke also reiterated the call for support for the veterans.

“The imperative of such backing for the veterans is an incentive to strengthen national defence.

“When a nation cares for its service personnel, the defence infrastructure is further entrenched with the civil population.

“I call on public and private bodies to expand their support for the military.

“In this age of conflict and economic depression, our security as a nation should remain a national priority.

“A secured nation enjoys a safe environment for human and capital development,” he said.

According to the governor, Nigeria is facing challenges with conflicts in the Sahel and Sudanic regions.

He noted that the country’s military was “stretched thin with delicate responsibilities for internal and external protection of the fatherland”.

Adeleke also said that in spite of the economic challenges, the military needed resources for operation and personnel care, adding that,” It is almost a conditionality for the survival and preservation of the nation”.

The governor commended the military leadership for the faithful implementation of the civil-military intervention programmes.

He further recommended that the military leadership should work with the community development agencies in each state in the implementation process.

“Such a collaboration will ensure the right location of projects and synergy with local development plans.”

He, however, assured that the demands of veterans and legionnaires were being met.

“As a governor, I will be a practitioner and advocate of your interest at national and other strategic levels.

“To our legionnaires and veterans, we have you in mind.

“We value and appreciate your sacrifice to the nation. You should be rest assured that we are attending to your demands as listed in your speeches,” he said.

Highlights of the event included wreath-laying, a drama and dance from the Osun State Cultural Troupe, a march past by the Armed Forces, among others.