Govt Advises Families Of Ex-servicemen To Take Advantage Of Health Insurance Scheme 

By Timothy Ekpo 
UYO
Akwa Ibom government has advised families of ex-servicemen to take advantage of the health insurance scheme for enhanced access to affordable healthcare services in the State.
  The State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who gave the advice at the launching of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal Fund, which took place in Uyo, said several model primary healthcare centres have been built in the state towards addressing their health needs. 
Represented by the deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the governor told the gathering that the Ibom International Hospital would soon be ready to attend to health challenges referred by the primary health centres or General Hospitals. 
He pointed out that although government was committed to the welfare of all segments of the people, his administration was particularly concerned with the needs of senior citizens, as it was the expectation of government that those who used their youthful strength to serve the state and nation should not die in regrets. 
  “Although this administration is committed to the welfare of all segments of the State, we are particularly concerned with the needs of our senior citizens. We don’t want those who used their youthful strength to serve this state or nation to die in regrets. We will continue to reach out to them within the limits of available resources”, Eno assured. 
The state chief executive sued for the support of the Nigerian Legion to enable government serve their needs in the state, in acknowledgment of the sacrifices they made to promote the peace and unity of the nation.
“We will continue to do our best in this regard. I can only solicit for the continued support of our ex-servicemen as we continue to work hard to develop Akwa Ibom State”, he said. 
On the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, the governor explained that every January, government is always privileged to honour the memories of men of the armed forces who fought gallantly to preserve the country’s territorial integrity with their blood.
He noted that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day offered an opportunity to reflect on their sacrifices, and make contributions towards the welfare of those of them who are still alive, remember the family of those who passed, renew our faith in the unity of Nigeria and commitment to global peace.
Eno stressed that beyond the Nigerian Civil War, which ravaged the nation between 1967 and 1970, some of our veterans fought and lost their lives during the first and second world wars, and as such they should be remembered for the supreme price they paid to enable the peace enjoyed today.
The governor maintained that the launch of the Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal Fund was one of the events traditionally held as part of efforts to honour their sacrifices, saying it afforded his government an opportunity to make direct financial contributions towards the welfare of ex-service men and women, who are still alive.
Eno gave the assurance that government will continue to support ex-servicemen and their families, adding that the 2026 event would be the third edition since the assumption of office by his administration, having demonstrated commitment in the previous events to sustain the welfare value for their sacrifices to the nation.
The commissioner for women affairs and social welfare, Mrs Inibehe Etukudoh, said the event marked the official launch of the Emblem and Appeal Fund in Akwa Ibom, signifying the Ministry’s readiness to commence other activities lined up for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.
She explained that the Emblem and Appeal Fund launching was symbolic as it served as a platform for the collective commitment to remember and support fallen heroes and veterans who had selflessly served the nation to ensure peace and security.
Etukudoh told the gathering that the event specifically provided an avenue for individuals, corporate bodies and other well-meaning Nigerians to render financial and material support to the families of our fallen heroes and to veterans who survived various military operations, including those who were maimed or permanently incapacitated.
The women affairs commissioner appreciated Governor Eno for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of members of the Nigerian Legion as demonstrated in the donation of N250 million welfare fund for affected officers and widows of the fallen heroes.
Earlier, the chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Akwa Ibom State, Captain Uwemedimo Bassey (rtd), said the Armed Forces Remembrances Day was a solemn event that projected the sacrifices made by the armed forces to defend the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Bassey said the occasion afforded the legionnaires opportunity to reflect on the bravery and dedication of the officers who faced the harsh realities of war and made the ultimate sacrifice. 
  He thanked Governor Eno for his administration’s commitment to their welfare, and pleaded that families of the fallen heroes be given access to quality healthcare services, employment opportunities, educational support, housing assistance, counselling service. 
Other requests made by the Legion chairman includes, provision of a good office accommodation, provision of an 18-seater bus to ease transportation, monthly subvention for office upkeep among others. 
The event had the State chairman of ALGON, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, ably represented by the vice chairman of the group and chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Aniofiok Nkom; chairman of Ika Local Government Area, Barr. Utibe Nwoko and that of Etim Ekpo Local Government in attendance, where they contributed N6.2 million in support of the Nigerian Legion. 
High point of the Emblem and Appeal Fund Launch was the decoration of Gov. Umo Eno, his deputy, local government chairmen, commissioner for women affairs and social welfare, among others, with the 2026 Armed Forces Emblem.