News Investigators/ The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has emphasised the need for prompt benefits for the bereaved and improved welfare for veterans to inspire selfless service among active personnel.
Kaigama, during his sermon at Nigeria’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day programme for the Inter-Denominational Church Service in Abuja on Sunday, honoured fallen heroes and called for collective support for their families.
He urged political authorities to uphold justice and human rights, ensuring a secure and dignified future for all Nigerians.
Kaigama stressed the importance of paying prompt benefits to the families of fallen heroes and taking better care of the welfare of surviving veterans.
He stated that such efforts would motivate current armed forces personnel to serve selflessly.
Addressing Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, Kaigama expressed optimism for national recovery but criticised the current state of peace, describing it as “the peace of the graveyard.”
He called for collaboration among security forces, equitable resource distribution, and compassionate leadership to bridge societal divides.
Kaigama also condemned ethnic and religious discrimination, calling for unity, justice, and mutual respect as steps toward societal harmony.
“There is a message of hope from our President, Bola Tinubu, in his New Year broadcast. He said, among other things, ‘To all citizens, your sacrifices have not been in vain.
“Together, let us stay the course of nation-building. The New Year will bring us closer to the bright future we all desire and the Nigeria of our dreams,’” Kaigama quoted President Tinubu.
He concluded his sermon with a prayer for national progress in 2025.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the families of fallen heroes and addressing veterans’ challenges.
Akpabio emphasised the importance of strengthening welfare programmes and introducing new policies to ensure no family feels forgotten.
He urged Nigerians to honour the legacy of fallen heroes by fostering unity, advancing peace, and ensuring the welfare of all citizens.
“We owe it to these families and their loved ones to build a nation where peace, justice, and opportunity prevail.
“The blood of our heroes remains the seed of our unity and progress, just as the blood of the martyrs became the seed of Christianity. Similarly, the sacrifice of our armed forces plays the same role.
“Therefore, we must strengthen the bond of our national identity. Their sacrifices call us to action, urging us to set aside our divisions and work together for the common good,” he said.
Akpabio called on Nigerians to rise above divisions and collectively work toward a peaceful, united, and prosperous nation.
NAN