Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra said on Wednesday that Nigerians and indeed the state owed the Armed Forces gratitude for their commitment to the protection and defence of the country.

 
Obiano said this at the Eucharistic Mass for 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka.

 
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Joe Asike, the governor said that every patriotic Nigerian was indebted to the Armed Forces for the supreme sacrifices they have made to preserve the country.

 
“We cannot quantify the sacrifices the Armed Forces make daily for the sake of peace.
“The peace we enjoy in our state today is as a result of the efforts of men and women of the armed forces and the ultimate sacrifice they are willing to make to protect Nigeria.
“We should all be grateful to them,’’ he said.
Earlier in his Homily, Bishop Peter Okpalaleke, Ahiara Diocese, described the Armed Forces Remembrance Day as a significant day for the Army and all branches of the force.

 
“It is a day to remember those colleagues who lost their lives while trying to protect the nation and make it safe for the living,’’ he said.

 
The Bishop said that the military personnel were not pursuing personal greatness but rather they are working hard for the greatness of Nigeria.

 
“They left their wives and children for the safety of the nation. It therefore is important that every member of the armed forces should see their mission as a way of drawing closer to God,” Okpalaleke.

 
He called for prayers by all in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the fight to protect the nation, and also the living as we struggle to keep the country safe.

 
The Mass was attended by senior officers of the armed forces, including the Anambra Commissioner of Police, Mr Hosea Karma.

 
Also in attendance were representatives of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, the Chief Judge and Head of Service, Prince Harry Uduh, among other dignitaries.

(NAN)