The new Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, was on Wednesday sworn-in by President Muhammadu Buhari at the state house.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and some aides of the President and top bureaucrats were also present.
President Buhari also at the venue inaugurated the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem and Appeal Fund before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) meeting.
While inaugurating the emblem, President Buhari urged corporate organisations particularly service providers and other business concerns to support the veterans’ cause through voluntary donations, employment opportunities and welfare support.
“The noble culture of appreciation and respect for veterans and servicemen and women experienced all over the world is very much part of us in Nigeria.
“I therefore look forward to a time when business concerns and service providers in the country would give special recognition and consideration for these distinguished citizens and support the veterans’ cause in any way they can through voluntary donations, employment opportunities and welfare support,’’ he said.
President Buhari also inaugurated the Partnership Scheme for the Armed Forces in which all Nigerians, corporate organizations and government agencies should support and partner with the Armed Forces in appreciation of their sacrifices.
The president, therefore, called on all Nigerians, the Diaspora and the nation’s friends to donate generously to the cause of the Nigerian Legion and families of the Fallen Heroes.
He expressed the federal government’s desire to improve the capability of the nation’s Armed Forces, noting that the administration’s efforts had started yielding positive results already in boosting the morale of men and women of the Armed Force.
President Buhari implored all to procure and wear the emblem with “pride as a way of identifying with those that laid down their lives, the incapacitated and others still who are daily in harm’s way in order to guarantee our peace and security.’’
He saluted the gallantry, courage and sacrifices of men and women of the Armed Forces as they grappled with diverse and contemporary security challenges plaguing the country.
“I appreciate your display of unparalleled loyalty to the country and dedication to duty.
“Being one of you, I understand what you have to undergo. This administration will continue to do all within its power and resources to ensure that your welfare is adequately catered for.’’
Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Defence, retired Brig,-Gen, Mansur Dan-Ali, said the event was a an annual tradition towards acknowledging and appreciating the gallantry and sacrifices of veterans in the first and second world wars and peace keeping operations around the world and internal security operations.
He called for an inter-ministerial collaboration between the ministries of defence, education, information and other relevant ministries, departments and agencies in championing the patronage of the emblem by Nigerians.
NAN reports that Jan. 15 of every year is celebrated as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
From Wednesday till Jan. 2018, top government officials and other Nigerians are expected to hang the emblem on their clothes as a mark of appreciating the efforts of the soldiers.
Meanwhile, the Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO) has called on Mustapha to excel in transparency.
Mr Yusuf Nalado, the National President of the BYO, made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
Nalado, who congratulated the new SGF, said that integrity and fairness should be embraced by all public servants.
“With the recognition, recommendation and eventual appointment of your person, we believe your past records of achievements in various assignments and roles merited your new mission as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
“From all of us from the local governments to the states and national body of Buhari Youth Organisation, we congratulate you on your new endeavour.
“We will also want you to excel beyond your predecessors in transparency while in the office.
“By the time you are leaving the office, we want to set a landmark far higher in fighting impunity, nepotism, corruption and display loyalty to the country in a way we will all celebrate you as an icon to reckon with,’’ he said.
The youth leader prayed that God would support and guide the new SGF in discharging his duties efficiently, judiciously and fairly.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mustapha was appointed on Monday by President Muhammadu Buhari after sacking the erstwhile SGF, Babachir Lawal. (NAN)