Osun State Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, Wednesday, declared that a united and indivisible Nigeria is not only possible, it is non-negotiable.
The governor made the declaration at the this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Osogbo, the capital, shortly after the symbolic wreath-laying in honour of Nigeria’s fallen heroes.
He implored all Nigerians, regardless of their creed or ethnicity or religion, to remain united and face the future with faith and hope by working for the peace of the nation. These, he said were sine qua non to achieving the peace, progress and development of Nigeria.
Oyetola maintained that the commitment of the country’s armed forces to the security and safety of the nation gives the confidence that one and indivisible Nigeria is possible and non-negotiable; adding that the only way Nigerians could appreciate the sacrifices of the fallen heroes and veterans was for all to remain united in love and peace.
”Let us all continue to scale up intervention in loving memory of our fallen compatriots and in the service of our veterans,” Oyetola counselled.
“I commend the Armed Forces for strategising day and night to fight insurgency and terrorism and keep the nation safe.”
The Governor also explained that his administration has been supportive of the veterans and the families of the fallen heroes through implementation of improved welfare policies and programmes.
”We all have a responsibility, as a nation and as a people, to continue to take care of the legionnaires and the families of the fallen heroes,” Oyetola said. “Taking care of their welfare is the measure of our compassion and the volume and quality of our appreciation as beneficiaries of their sacrifices.
”These acts of reciprocation and compassion are encouragement and motivation for our gallant soldiers who are currently fighting insurgency, and are equally involved in peace support and internal security operations across the world.
”Each year since we came into power, we have rallied round our fallen heroes and provided for their needs. Our policies and programmes have been directed at them and the people through adequate, equitable and qualitative service delivery.”