A former lawmaker representing the Oye/Ikole Federal Constituency, Bimbo Daramola, says he led a team of well-wishers on a Christmas visit to six military formations in Ekiti to appreciate their sacrifices.
Mr Daramola said on Friday that the visit was to identify with the soldiers and to appreciate the job they are doing for the nation.
According to him, the visit covered the Ijan-Ekiti Army base, the Ode-Ekiti Army Base, the Command Secondary School in Isan-Ekiti, the Igara-Odo Ekiti Army Checkpoint, the Adebayo Motor Post, and the Ikole-Ekiti Soldiers’ base.
At each location, the former rep member had presented food items, including chicken, eggs, rice, towels, Christmas hats, and a solar-powered radio, to men and officers of the formation.
Addressing the officers, Mr Daramola highlighted the critical role soldiers play even as citizens enjoy their festivities.
“You stay awake so that we can sleep; you face danger while others run from it; that is what is called true patriotism,” he said.
He noted that soldiers’ services during festive periods often go unrecognised.
Mr Daramola consequently urged kind-hearted Nigerians to appreciate the officers to strengthen their morale, adding that the government alone cannot shoulder all responsibilities.
“Every Nigerian has a role to play, even if it is just hugging a soldier and saying thank you,” he said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, and the Minister of Defence for prioritising soldiers’ welfare and prayed for the safety of soldiers and their families.
The soldiers, who were visibly happy, had expressed gratitude to the former lawmaker for his kindness.
(NAN)