Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike has announced the release of N100 million to the Rivers State Command of the Nigerian Legion as Grant for widows of ex-servicemen and their families  to set up businesses.
He made the pronouncement  during the emblem appeal fund launch for the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day , on Wednesday,  in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said  support for the ex-servicemen  should not be restricted to the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
He said: “It is only when  January 15  approaches that ex-servicemen are remembered. I suggest that a permanent scheme be set up to serve the ex-servicemen.  The scheme will serve as an incentive  to serving military  personnel  to put in their best for the country. “
He called for the establishment  of a permanent scheme to cater for ex-servicemen and families of deceased ex-servicemen.
The governor directed local government areas in the state to also redeem their pledges to the Nigerian Legion.
In an address, the Sole Administrator of the Rivers State Command of the Nigerian Legion, ACG Ogborun Chichi,  said one of the fundamental objectives of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day was to work towards ameliorating the harsh and unfriendly challenges  faced by the ex-servicemen.
He thanked the Rivers State Governor for sustaining the security of the employment of members of the Nigerian Legion at the Rivers State Civil Service Secretariat.
ACG Ogborun Chichi said that the governor’s immeasurable donations, support and care for veterans, widows and dependants  of fallen heroes have helped them to survive the harsh economic climate .
Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Mr Kenneth Kobani, urged corporate organisations  to join government  in supporting  the ex-servicemen who sacrificed so much for the unity of the country.
The launching of the emblem witnessed  donations from the state government, top government officials, local government councils  and public spirited individuals.
Highpoint of the occasion was the decoration of the Rivers State Governor by the Sole Administrator of the Nigerian Legion, Rivers State Command. Â The governor also reciprocated the gesture.
The Sole Administrator of the Nigerian Legion, Rivers State Command also decorated top government officials and service commanders.
