BY GODWIN IJEDIOGOR
DELTA State Governor, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, led top military officers and others to lay wreaths at the statue of the Unknown Soldier in Asaba, the state capital, in commemoration of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Oborevwori, who arrived The Cenotaph, venue of the solemn ceremony, inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Air Force, Nigerian Navy and members of the Nigerian Legion.
A minute silence was observed, while a 21-gun salute was taken in honour of the country’s departed heroes.
High point of the event was the ceremonial release of pigeons by the governor to signal peace and the people’s determination to avoid any action that could lead to violence or war.
The Day is observed on January 15 every year to remember soldiers that died fighting in various peacekeeping operations and those who lost their lives during the Nigerian civil war.
This year’s event, which also included an emblem launch and a special thanksgiving service in memory of the departed and others affected by conflict, climaxed with the laying of wreaths by dignitaries, including Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Emomotimi Guwor, represented by his Deputy, Mr. Arthur Akpowowo and state Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Diai, represented by Justice Kwame Okpu.
Other were commanders of different military formations in the state; state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wale Abass; Chairman of the Traditional Rulers’ Council, Maj-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo, Orhue I; religious leaders; chairman of the Nigerian Legion; representative of the widows, among others.
