Ambode calls for dialogue in conflict resolution

…says love, care of widows, children of fallen heroes, a must

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Monday called on Lagosians and indeed all Nigerians to eschew violence and rather embrace dialogue in conflict resolution, even as he asked all to imbibe the culture of care and love for orphans, widows and other loved ones of deceased soldiers; who gallantly laid down their lives in the struggle to preserve territorial integrity of their fatherland.

In an address delivered on behalf of Governor Ambode by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Adebule, at the Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony, held at the Remembrance Arcade, adjacent Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, he informed that January 15 is symbolic in Nigeria’s history, because it was the date that the treaty ending the Nigerian Civil War, which claimed many lives of gallant heroes was signed.

“January 15 is a day set aside not only to remember the heroic contributions of our departed men and women in uniform, but also to remind ourselves that we have duties and responsibilities to carry out to promote the welfare of those left behind by our late soldiers. A day to appreciate the noble contribution of these soldiers and civilians, most of whom in their prime lost their lives to preserve our unity, and to identify with and reassure those who had suffered permanent or partial disability while defending the sovereignty of their Nation,” he said.

Governor Ambode, while commanding officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other men in uniform, who continue to ensure the preservation of Nigeria’s territorial boundary, charged Nigerians to always give peace a chance, eschew violence and embrace dialogue in conflict resolutions, for enduring peace and harmony to reign in the country. He went on to express the determination of his Administration to continue the policy of sustaining the welfare of the ex-service men, as well as widows and orphans of, “our heroes and heroines who paid the supreme sacrifice and gave their lives to their country.”

He affirmed that he would always partner with, and patronise the services of the legionnaires in his bid to enhance the peace and security of the State.

The high point of the ceremony was the laying of wreath, first performed on behalf of governor Ambode, by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule, and on behalf of the Deputy Governor herself, Mrs. Folasade Adesoye, the Lagos State Head of Service, followed in the laying of the wreath.

Other dignitaries who carried out the wreath laying activity were: The Chief Judge of Lagos- Justice Opeyemi Oke, Commander 9 Brigade Nigerian Army- Brigadier General E. A. Attu, Commanding Officer NNS Beecroft, Rear Admiral M. A. Eno, Commander 551 Base Services Group, Nigerian Air force Base, Ikeja-Air Commodore Olumide Olatunji, Lagos Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal and Lagos State Chairman, Nigerian Legion- Col. Samuel Fola Akande (Rtd).

Benjamin Omoike