Retired soldiers under the aegis of the Nigerian Legion in Edo on Tuesday urged government at all levels to initiate sustainable welfare programmes for them.
Mr Sunny Eboigbe, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion in Edo, made the call at the grand finale of activities marking the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Benin.
He said such welfare programmes would reduce the dependence of retired soldiers on charity from government and public-spirited individuals and organisations.
According to Eboigbe, the principle of fairness, truth, honesty and oneness should be the watchword of every citizen of the country.
He also said the annual event should remind all Nigerians of the essence of peace and stability as imperatives for progress and development.
Eboigbe enjoined every citizen of the country to strive to sustain the present peace in the country and avoid acts capable of causing instability in the polity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the emblem appeal fund was launched in the state on Dec. 14, 2018.
NAN also reports that Gov. Godwin Obaseki, his deputy, Philip Shaibu and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Kabiru Adjoto, also laid a wreath at the foot of the unknown soldier.
Others were the state Chief Judge, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen, and the representative of the Oba of Benin among others.
A 21-gun salute and the release of the white pigeon were also part of the activities marking the ceremony.