The House of Representatives on Tuesday called for a special scholarship scheme for children of members of the Armed Forces who died in the line of duty as a way of encouraging officers and men of the nation’s security services.

The House also called for special award and recognition for officers of the three services who distinguished themselves on an annual basis on the recommendation of the Defence Headquarters and the various services.

The House at plenary also commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their giant strides in the fight against insecurity and their exemplary conduct during peacekeeping and humanitarian missions worldwide.

The resolved to asked the federal government to sustain its support for the Armed Forces through increased funding, provision of modern equipment, and enhanced welfare packages.

Adopting a motion of urgent public importance by the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence,Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos), the Lawmakers call on the relevant committees of the House to regularly assess and provide recommendations for the improvement of the Armed Forces’ operations, ensuring their continued efficiency and effectiveness.

Moving the motion, Benson said the Armed Forces of Nigeria, comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force, have demonstrated unparalleled dedication, bravery and professionalism in combating various forms of insecurity across the country, including insurgency, banditry and other criminal activities.

He recall the immense sacrifices made by the officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens, often at the risk of their own lives.

According to him, the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, marked on the 15th of January, is a solemn occasion to honor the bravery and sacrifices of fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price for our nation’s peace and unity.

He said the event also provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on the remarkable achievements of our Armed Forces and recommit to supporting their efforts.

Benson spoke of the need to ecognize the significant victories recorded in the fight against insurgency, particularly in the Northeast region, where previously inaccessible communities have been liberated, enabling displaced persons to return to their homes.

He recognize the immense contributions of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to regional peace and stability through their involvement in joint military operations, collaborations with neighboring countries, and commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders

He stressed the distinguished record of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in international peacekeeping and other missions under the auspices of the United Nations, African Union and ECOWAS, where their professionalism, discipline, integrity and commitment to global peace have earned the respect and admiration of the international community.

He emphasised the role of the Armed Forces in humanitarian missions, disaster response and support to civil authorities during emergencies, which underscores their multifaceted contribution to nation-building, adding that these acievements were recorded in the face of daunting challenges, including inadequate funding, obsolete equipment and welfare concerns.

Contributing to the debate, Chairman of the House Committee on Airforce, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (APC, Plateau) commended members of the Armed Forces form leaving the families to protect the nation and being at the front burner of war and national security.

Sada Soli (APC, Katrina said Nigerians members of the Armed Forces a debt of gratitude for keeping the county safe, adding that they have demonstrated the highest level of nationalism and professionalism to keep Nigerians United.

Isiaka Ayokunle Ibrahim lamented the fact that families of several officers and men of the Armed Forces who died in the line of duty are yet to access the benefits due to them, adding that the National Assembly should find a way of ensuring that these benefits are paid to the families on time.