By Gbenga Olarinoye, Festus Ahon, Chioma Onuegbu & Emmanuel Ayungbe

STATE governors, yesterday, commended the contributions of the nation’s fallen soldiers to peace and unity, especially during the Nigerian civil war and battle against insurgency.

They spoke during the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations in their respective states.

This came as Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has initiated a N100 million empowerment scheme aimed at improving the living condition of the families of late ex-servicemen and living legionnaires.

President Muhammadu Buhari performs the Wreath Laying ceremony of 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Arcade in Abuja.

Addressing  legionnaires  at the 2017 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day Celebration finale at the open court of the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday,  Wike  said the  N100 million empowerment  scheme was an appreciation of the fact that the late ex-servicemen and their living colleagues invested their lives in the sustenance of the  country.

In Akwa Ibom, Governor Udom Emmanuel congratulated the Nigeria Armed Forces for achieving victory over the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.

In the same vein, Governor Rochas Okorocha  of Imo State, said the nation had done well in choosing to celebrate her fallen heroes who died that the nation might stand, describing the action of the dead gallant soldiers as show of patriotism at the highest level.

In Asaba, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State led prominent Deltans in laying wreaths at the foot of the Unknown Soldier in Asaba, the state capital.

The ceremony was witnessed by former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Chief Benjamin Elue;  Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Marshal Umukoro, traditional rulers, clergymen, political office holders, among others.