106-year-old World War 1 Veteran Honoured In Abuja

The Nigeria Legion on Friday in Abuja, honoured a 109-year old Nigerian Army veteran, Mr Mele Ture and others who fought the World War I and II for their selfless services to humanity.

National Chairman of the Legion, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibril, said the awardees were being honoured because of the role they played during the wars which brought honour to the country.

The event, which was organised in collaboration with the Green Heroes Foundation has the theme, “Celebrating Our Heroes”.

According to Jibril, the whole essence of the event is to celebrate Nigerian heroes by bring them together and reassuring them we still appreciate their sacrifices through securing the territory.

He said the event was organised to honour the nation’s retired military heroes, adding that it was a yearly event.

According to him, the event is designed to specifically recognise retired officers and men who have distinguished themselves during the conflict which brought honour and privilege to Nigeria.

Jibril said it was common practice that those who represented their countries and defended it gallantly with sorrow, tears and blood were usually accorded hero’s welcome.

He said the veterans would also be showered with accolades and recognition as a way of appreciating their efforts.

According to him, these men put their lives on hold while their desires and aspirations were suspended to satisfy the cause of the nation and desires of the citizens.

“Those honoured today are veterans of the Civil war, veterans of ECOMOG, wars both in Liberia and Sierra-Leone, the Bakasi Veterans and veterans who participated in the insurgency and are out of service.

“A lot of them made the supreme sacrifice and didn’t come back and some of them have been inflicted with serious injuries that is life threatening.

“Thank God, some of them are here. We bring them together to reassure them that giving their life for the nation cannot be forgotten.

“We decided to honour Pa Ture because he has fought the first and second World War and he is still alive, walking with his two feet although supported with stick. He retired in 1978, ” he said.

The Keynote speaker, retired Maj.-Gen. IBM Haruna, said the legion was formed in 1964 to adequately represent and take care of veteran’s need.