Despite differences in religion, ethnicity, political affiliations, or other diversities, Nigerians of all generations and from all walks of life must endeavour to plan to ensuring Nigeria’s unity, because the state is stronger together than apart, according to vice president Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
The vice president spoke today at the Interdenominational service for the 2021 soldiers Remembrance Day Celebration, which held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Sunday.
According to Prof. Osinbajo, who was represented at the church by the Secretary to the government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, Nigerians “must at every opportunity insist that each great multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation has, through thick and thin, fought to understand the good dividends of diversity and pluralism.”
He reiterated the necessity for Nigerians to, as a mark of honour for the sacrifices of the men and women of the soldiers show more commitment to the unity of the state and therefore the task of building a far better society.
The VP said, “the struggle to make sure a more perfect federation could be a lifelong enterprise to which each generation must resolutely commit.
While paying tribute to the departed men and women of the nation’s armed forces, he observed that their sacrifices embody ultimate patriotism as they laid down their lives within the line of duty.
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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. all 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.”
He noted that the departed heroes and heroines of the soldiers “fought to preserve the liberty of the nations of the world from totalitarianism within the First and Second World Wars; to stay our Nation and its people together within the civil war.”
Continuing, the VP praised the members of the armed forces adding that they “laid down their lives in peacekeeping operations on the continent et al. , paid the last word price within the fight against the mindless terrorism within the North East, and in defending this land from other threats to security.
“It is to the memories of those heroes and heroines that we pledge within the words of our National anthem: that “the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain.
“That promise that their blood, spilled on the field of battle, won’t be wasted, is the burden that we, the living, bear. And it’s an onerous one indeed.”
In his tribute to the departed members of the soldiers , the VP recalled the heroism of the late Ms. Tolulope Arotile, who made history in October 2019, when she was winged as Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot within the 55 years of existence of the Nigerian Air Force.
He said, “although her young life was curtail in very unfortunate circumstances, Tolulope lived her dream to hitch the Nigerian military and along side colleagues from all parts of this nation, to defend the territorial integrity, peace and security of this nation.
Prof. Osinbajo noted the state will always be grateful and pleased with the continuing commitment of our young men and women to serving within the military.
He said “this occasion is additionally one where we celebrate, honour and pray for the families, relations and loved ones of our fallen heroes, those that daily bear the pain and deprivation of their absence. On behalf of Mr. President and therefore the federal government, we once again extend our sincere condolences to you. We pray that the Lord will comfort you and uphold you daily.”
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