The Catholic archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, wants prompt benefits for the bereaved and improved veteran welfare to inspire selfless service among active personnel.

Mr Kaigama, during his sermon on Sunday at Nigeria’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day programme for the Inter-Denominational Church Service in Abuja, honoured fallen heroes and called for collective support for their families.

He urged political authorities to uphold justice and human rights, ensuring all Nigerians a secure and dignified future.

Mr Kaigama stressed the importance of paying prompt benefits to the families of fallen heroes and taking better care of the welfare of surviving veterans.

He stated that such efforts would motivate current armed forces personnel to serve selflessly.

Addressing Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, Mr Kaigama expressed optimism for national recovery but criticised the current state of peace, describing it as “the peace of the graveyard.”

He called for collaboration among security forces, equitable resource distribution, and compassionate leadership to bridge societal divides.

Mr Kaigama condemned ethnic and religious discrimination, calling for unity, justice, and mutual respect to achieve societal harmony.

In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the families of fallen heroes and addressing veterans’ challenges.

Mr Akpabio urged Nigerians to honour the legacy of fallen heroes by fostering unity, advancing peace, and ensuring the welfare of all citizens.

“We owe it to these families and their loved ones to build a nation where peace, justice, and opportunity prevail. The blood of our heroes remains the seed of our unity and progress, just as the blood of the martyrs became the seed of Christianity. Similarly, the sacrifice of our armed forces plays the same role.

“Therefore, we must strengthen the bond of our national identity. Their sacrifices call us to action, urging us to set aside our divisions and work together for the common good,” he said.

Mr Akpabio called on Nigerians to rise above divisions and collectively work toward a peaceful, united, and prosperous nation.

(NAN)