By: John Bassey.
The launch of the Emblem Appeal Fund on Tuesday in Kebbi State witnessed a remarkable show of support, with over N85 million raised to support ex-service personnel.
The Kebbi State Government led the contributions with a donation of N50 million, while Governor Nasir Idris, on behalf of himself, his family, and the Kauran Gwandu Foundation, personally donated N10 million in cash.
Security agencies, including the Army, Police, NDLEA, Civil Defence, DSS, Customs, Immigration, Correctional Service, Road Safety, and Vigilante groups, collectively donated N3 million.
Deputy Governor Sen. Umar Abubakar Tafida contributed N2 million, while the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Usman Zuru, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Yakubu Tafida, Head of Service Malami Shekare, and the Forum for Special Advisers each donated N1 million.
The Commissioner for Finance, Abubakar Chika, on behalf of his colleagues, contributed N5 million, while ALGON Chairman Muhammad Dahiru Nayaya Ambursa, representing the 21 local government councils, provided N4.2 million.
Governor Nasir Idris urged all donors to promptly redeem their pledges, emphasizing that the government would monitor their fulfillment.
“Donors must not see ex-service personnel as beggars but as key partners in nation-building. These heroes sacrificed greatly for our unity and security; they deserve our utmost respect and support,” the governor said.
He reminded attendees of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces, urging reflection, gratitude, and support for their ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s freedom and security.
“We must carry the spirit of our fallen heroes in our hearts and promote unity, peace, and a prosperous society for all,” he added.
To further support the legionnaires, the governor directed the Commissioner for Lands and Housing to expedite land acquisition processes in Argungu, Yauri, and Zuru within one week.
He also pledged to attend the commissioning of the legion’s headquarters in Birnin Kebbi and donated two Hajj seats for the 2025 pilgrimage to Makkah.
The Chairman of the Kebbi State Chapter of the Nigerian Legion, Rtd. Sergeant Garba Hassan Suru expressed gratitude to the governor for his consistent support to ex-service personnel and their families.
He highlighted the large number of legionnaires and widows of fallen heroes in Kebbi State and appealed for the governor’s intervention in land acquisition for the legion in the state’s three other emirates.
Governor Idris, alongside the deputy governor and the speaker, was decorated with the Emblem Appeal insignia by Rtd. Sergeant Suru during the event held at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi.
