Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says, despite the religious, ethnic and political discrepancies in the country, Nigeria is stronger and better off together.
Speaking further he said, “Nigerians from all walks of life must endeavour to commit to ensuring Nigeria’s unity because the nation is stronger together.
The Vice President who communicated this at the Interdenominational Church Service for the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, which held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, recently, used the opportunity to pay tributes to Nigeria’s military heroes and heroines.
The former Commissioner for Justice and the Attorney General of Lagos State was represented at the occasion by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
According to Osinbajo, Nigerians “must at every opportunity insist that every great multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation has, through thick and thin, fought to realize the great dividends of diversity and pluralism.”
Osinbajo encouraged Nigerians to, as a mark of respect, honour the sacrifices of the men and women of the Armed Forces and show more allegiance to the unity of the nation and the task of building a better society.
The event is celebrated yearly to deliver a tribute to the deceased men and women of the nation’s Armed Forces, that have made sacrifices as an indication of supreme patriotism to their nation and acknowledge the price paid by those who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
Osibanjo noted that the struggle to ensure a more perfect federation is a lifelong enterprise to which each generation must resolutely commit.
According to him, “drawn from all across the country, these brave men and women of the Armed Forces have made our nation proud and their lives show us what it means to be patriots. Each one of them reminds us of the timeless words of our national pledge: “to be faithful, loyal and honest, to serve Nigeria with all our strength, to defend her unity and uphold her honour and glory.”
Osinbanjo commented that the deceased heroes and heroines of the Armed Forces “fought to preserve the freedom of the nations of the world from totalitarianism in the First and Second World Wars; to keep our Nation and its people as one in the Civil War.”
Osinbajo applauded the members of the Armed Forces adding that they “laid down their lives in peacekeeping operations on the continent and elsewhere, paid the ultimate price in the fight against the mindless terrorism in the North East, and in defending this land from other security threats.
“It is to the memories of these heroes and heroines that we pledge in the words of our National anthem: that “the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain.
“That promise that their blood, spilt on the field of battle, will not be wasted, is the burden that we, the living, bear.’’
In his tribute to the deceased members of the Armed Forces, the Vice President remembered the heroism of the late Tolulope Arotile, who made history in October 2019, when she was winged as Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot in the 55 years of existence of the Nigerian Air Force.
He said, “although her young life was cut short in very unfortunate circumstances, Tolulope lived her dream to join the Nigerian military and along with colleagues from all parts of this nation, to defend the territorial integrity, peace and security of this nation.
Osinbajo stated the country will forever be gratified and proud of the continuing commitment of our young men and women serving in the Armed Forces. He explained “this occasion is also one where we celebrate, honour and pray for the families, relations and loved ones of our fallen heroes, those who daily bear the pain and deprivation of their absence.
“On behalf of President and the Federal Government, we once again extend our sincere condolences to you. We pray that the Lord will comfort you and uphold you daily.”