President Bola Tinubu has posthumously bestowed national honours upon the 17 military personnel who lost their lives in the Okuoma area of Delta State on March 14. Addressing the gathering at the funeral held at the Military Cemetery in Abuja today, March 27, the President also unveiled plans for scholarships and housing assistance for the bereaved families and children of the fallen soldiers.
Among the honourees , four of the deceased officers were granted the distinction of Members of the Order of the Niger (MON), while the remaining 13 soldiers were recognized with Officers of the Federal Republic medals.
“Each of the men now belongs to the hallowed list of service men and women who defended our country and protected their fellow Nigerians not minding the risks to their own lives. They have all been awarded now a posthumous National Honour. Four gallant officers have been accorded the award of Members of Order of Niger (MON). The 13 courageous soldiers who also lost their lives have been awarded the officers of the Federal Republic medals.”
Explaining on his remarks, the President emphasized that the courageous soldiers would be honoured as patriots who bravely responded to the call of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice.
“It is now our duty to protect the families of our departed heroes. The Federal Government will provide housing in any part of our country to each of the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers that were among them. The Federal Government has also approved scholarships to all children of the deceased up to university level including those who are in the womb. The military we appeal to you to within the next 90 days to ensure that all benefits of the departed are paid,” President Tinubu said