Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed of Kwara State has restated his administration's commitment to enhancing the welfare of ex-servicemen in the state.

Speaking on Thursday at the launch of the Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal Fund in honour of fallen heroes, Governor Ahmed said his administration acknowledged the invaluable contribution by ex-servicemen to the peace, unity and progress of the nation.

Represented by the state Commissioner for Social Development, Culture and Tourism, Chief Samuel Bamisaye, the governor emphasized the need for constant remembrance of gallant heroes for their supreme sacrifice in ensuring the peace and harmony of the country.

"We therefore have a duty to show our appreciation by contributing generously towards the upkeep of their families", the governor stated.

"This is one of the many ways by which their loved ones will feel that the departed did not die in vain.

"As a testimony to this, I wish to assure you all that this administration will do its best, as always towards enhancing the welfare of your members in this state."

The governor noted that with necessary encouragement to ex-servicemen, the legion can be relied upon to complement the efforts of security agencies in providing security and enforcing the laws in the society.

Calling on local governments in the state to mobilize people at the grassroots level to support the noble cause of the legion, he commended the untiring efforts of the legion at caring and providing for its members.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Nuhu Magaji, who stood in for the commissioner, Chief Bamisaye, said the programme is derived from the collective love, concern and care for the gallantry and exceptional attribute of statesmanship displayed by the patriotic and illustrious Nigerians who sacrificed their lives for peace of mankind.

While commending Governor Ahmed for providing the logistics required for the realization of this year's celebrations, he said it is a testimony to the governor's appreciation of the unquantifiable roles played by the legion of ex-servicemen both living and dead to the socio-political and economic development of the country.

The state chairman of the legion, Col. Ibrahim Idowu, appealed to the state government to increase its monthly subvention to the legion from N15,000 and to provide it with a new vehicle to ease its mobility.

The governor's representative later announced the launch of the armed forces remembrance emblem appeal for the sum of N1 million.