By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
Authority of the Nigerian Army has rewarded a retired gallant Warrant Officer with a new brand toyota Hilux worth millions of naira for meritorious services rendered to the army through out the 35 years he spent in service.
The Chief of Army Staff, CoAS, Lt. Gen. F. Yahaya, NAM, while presenting the vehicle to Ekpe on Saturday in Calabar, at the Cenotaph Eleven Round About, Calabar, shortly after the activities marking the 2022 Armed Forces Rememberance Day grinded to a halt, called for support of families of fallen heroes.
The Army boss stated that the car gift splashed on the Warrant Officer is a way of encouraging young officers still in the service to put in their very best in their responsibility of protecting the territorial integrity of the nation.
Representing the chief of Army Staff, the Commander, 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Major General PP Malla, said that all the citizens of the nation owe the fallen heroes, who fought gallantly in their responsibility of keeping the nation secured, is the sustainance of peace.
Highlights of the celebration was the laying of wreath at the tomb of the unknown fallen soldiers by the Cross River State Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu, as well as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams, and the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Akon Ikpeme.
The fallen heroes were also honoured with a wreath by the Commander, 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Major General Malla.
Top government functionaries and heads of security operatives who laid wreaths include: the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory, state Police Commissioner, Commandant of the Naval War College, state Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, among other officers.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the event wounded to an end, the Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Governor’s Office, Alfred Mboto, stated that Nigeria will never forget those who paid the supreme price to put their dear fatherland together.
The Permanent Secretary maintained that government prioritizes the welfare of officers serving in the state and encouraged them to put in their best for the country.
Also speaking, the retired Warrant Officer, Awo Stephen Ekpe, who expressed happiness for the recognition by the Army High Command, and the car gift added that the gift would encourage the young officers who are still in service to do more.
The retiree commended the CoAS for wishing him well, describing him as a man of proven integrity, who had kept his words.
The occasion climaxed with a 21-gunshots and release of pigeons, which the authority of the Nigerian Army said signified peace in the land.
