By Okon Okon
Abuja – Workers at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja say that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration does not affect their work, since it is a routine exercise.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government has set aside Jan. 15 as Remembrance Day in honour of the nation’s fallen heroes.
A cross section of workers interviewed by NAN on Wednesday said that the celebration does not in any way affect their work as it is a yearly routine event.
Mr Dayo Adebayo a worker at the Ministry of Sports and Social Development, said it was good that the federal government set aside the day to recognise the nation’s fallen heroes.
Adebayo said that the fallen heroes deserved more than what the nation was giving them.
He said prior notice was given to workers at the federal secretariat to allow them prepare ahead of time for the 2020 Remembrance Day celebration.
“It is not a big deal at all since we are used to it. This is something done every year here within the secretariat, at such we are used to it.
“Prior notice or no prior notice, we know once it comes to this day, we would do all we could do to cover up for the period, we have to celebrate our heroes,” he said.
Mrs Magdalene Ukpe, a worker at the Head of Service (HOS) Office corroborated Adebayo’s claim, saying that the fallen heroes deserved to be remembered.
“I am also a victim because I lost my younger brother who was a military officer.
“There is no reason for me not to join in this celebration in honour of some one l loved so much in my family,” Ukpe said.
Mr Sunday Steven another worker said workers at the secretariat were advised to resume work around noon by the authorities to ensure easy access to their offices after the celebration.
“It is my belief that Nigerians should get used to the celebration, so there should be no cause for alarm,” he said.
NAN reports that the celebration was peaceful as security agents were on ground to monitor events within the vicinity.
(NAN)