Abakaliki – The Nigerian Legion, Ebonyi Chapter, has appealed to the state government to release the N15 million grant approved for it by the previous government in the state.
The Chairman of the chapter, retired Grp. Capt. Osmond Ogah, made the appeal when he spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki on Friday.
He spoke after the wreath-laying ceremony to conclude this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.
According to Ogah, the funds are needed to take care of the war veterans and the dependants of the fallen heroes among others.
“I have written to the former state governor, Martin Elechi, on the issue but the delay presumably, is due to the transition between the previous to the present government in the state.
“We, however, thank the state government and private organisations for their unflinching support to us which has reduced the suffering of members,’’ he said.
NAN reports that Gov. Dave Umahi, laid the ceremonial wreath at the foot of the Unknown Soldier cenotaph, located at the Unity Square, Abakaliki.
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The laying of wreath was also performed by the commander of the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Abakaliki, state Commissioner of Police, chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Ebonyi chapter and others.
The governor also inspected the Guard of Honour mounted by officers and men of the Nigerian Army and other security outfits.
Prayers were offered at the occasion by the chaplain of the Nigerian Army cantonment, representatives of the Catholic and Protestant denominations as well as by the Imam of the cantonment’s mosque.
A two-minute silence was observed in memory of the fallen heroes while the governor released pigeons to symbolise peace in the state and in the country. (NAN)