Wike redeems N171m scholarship pledge to legionnaires’ children

RIVERS State Governor Nyesom Wike has redeemed his N171 million scholarship pledge for children of war veterans in the state.

A statement by his media aide, Kelvin Ebiri, said the governor fulfilled his promise yesterday after the Emblem Appeal Fund Launch to mark the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

The governor also donated N20 million to launch the emblem and urged the 23 councils to donate N1 million each towards the cause.

Wike restated the need for the government to institute an enduring reward system for war veterans to justify their ultimate sacrifice to keep Nigeria safe and united. According to him, this would motivate officers to quality service.

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The statement reads: “Many soldiers return with injuries while many die in battle. You don’t understand what it takes for someone to volunteer to protect the country’s territorial integrity.

“Government must find something to put permanently on ground to assure them it’s indeed worthy to die for the country.”

Governor Wike promised that his administration would continue to offer members of the Nigerian Legion necessary support to cushion economic hardship.

Chairman of Nigeria Legion ACG Justice Chichi said security agencies were ready and committed to confronting the Boko Haram insurgents, bandits and other forms of insurgency.