By Augustine Ehikioya
Marking the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC), the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has presented brand new Hilux Vehicles to 14 living heroes of the Nigerian Army.
The presentation, he said, was done in recognition of their services to the Nation, when it was needed most.
In a statement on Sunday by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), the Army Chief said the presentation was also in recognition of the sacrifices of the fallen heroes.
It said “The COAS added that the presentation was in honour and recognition of the sacrifices of both the fallen heroes and veterans who are still alive for their services to the Nigerian Army (NA), the Nation and humanity.
“The presentation was done nationwide, across all formations of the NA to signpost the significance of the celebration.”
Presenting the vehicles on behalf of the COAS to one of the beneficiaries, the statement said, the Provost Marshal (PM), Army, Major General Robert Aiyenigba said that Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration “provided an opportunity for retrospection and appreciation of the patriotism and sacrifices demonstrated by both veterans and fallen heroes.
“It is in appreciation of their services that the COAS presents these vehicles to the retirees” he stated.
Gen. Aiyenigba also pointed out, that the gesture is an affirmation of “the high premium, the COAS places on welfare of personnel.”
The Provost Marshal symbolically handed over the keys and official documents of a brand new Hilux Vehicle to the former Regimental Sergeant Major, Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police (NACMP), Ex. Army Warrant Officer Akinyokun Felix, on the occasion of his retirement after 35 years of meritorious service to the Nation.
In his response for the kind gesture, Ex. MWO Akinyokun Felix thanked the COAS for finding them worthy of the award, describing it as “a morale booster to them and those they left in service.”
“He added that they will continue to support the NA to succeed in her constitutional mandate, even in retirement.”