He said most Nigerians do not attach importance to the exercise. Wike stated this, yesterday, at All Saints Cathedral Church of the Anglican Communion, Rumuokwurusi town in Obio-Akpor Council, where thanksgiving and inter-denominational church service, organised in commemoration of 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations was held.

He said pinning crests on shirts worn one day serves as a mark of honour and a way of identifying with men and officers of the Armed Forces.

The governor said refusing to wear them indicates lack of appreciation of the sacrifices officers made in fighting to curtail insurrection, secession, crime and all forms of criminality that threaten the peace that makes a healthy country.

Wike reiterated his stance on the need for the Federal Government to establish a standing welfare fund, from which money could be pulled to cater for the families of fallen heroes and war veterans that defended the territorial integrity of Nigeria. He announced a donation of N50 million to support missions and other sundry work at the cathedral.

In his sermon, the Vicar of the church, Venerable Alex Usifoh, preached on the topic, “A blessed memory”, drawing from Proverbs 10:7. Usifoh explained that a blessed memory is evoked by worthy legacy left behind, and urged the congregation to conduct their affairs in a manner that leaves positive impact in their workplaces, communities and at the state level, without wasting opportunities given to them.

He pointed to the valuable sacrifices made by fallen heroes and war veterans, who served, giving up their comfort to tackle insurrection and secession attempts to keep Nigeria united and in peace.