Veterans of the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War deserve improved welfare and empowerment and have been told to expect such. Speaking today at a mass at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, South-East Nigeria, Governor Peter Obi of neighbouring Anambra State said that members said that those who sacrificed for the collective welfare of the country should be adequately appreciated.

He noted that the war veterans served the society selflessly to protect the unity and future of the country and should not be abandoned in their old age.

The governor explained that his administration has continued to place the welfare of pensioners and the elderly as top priority and is presently seeking legal framework in the State House of Assembly to pay monthly allowance to all elderly persons above 75 who are neither pensioners nor have dependents across Anambra State.

Governor Obi also presented N1.6 million a transport allowance to veterans who were present in the church, assured that all promises made to them would be fulfilled. He also assured that he would make all necessary representations to the Federal Government to ensure that they receive all their entitlements.

The governor called for constructive criticisms to encourage those in positions of authority to use public resources to serve the people better.

Responding, the National Secretary of the War Veterans Association, Retired Colonel Ray Nnaji, said that Governor Obi and Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State are the only governors who have demonstrated commitment and interest in their welfare since 2001 when they commenced the struggle for the payment of their entitlements. He called on other South-East governors to team up with Obi and pursue their welfare as is done by northern governors.

Also speaking, the Enugu State Chairman of the Association, Reverend Anthony Aniele, described Governor Obi as God-sent and who has continued to work relentlessly to improve the life of the people.

•Photo: Standing from L-R, Msgr. Ike Obiorah; Sen. Ben Obi; National Secretary of Nigeria Civil War Veterans, Retired Colonel Ray Nnaji; Enugu State Chairman of the Association, Reverend Anthony Aniele; and Gov. Peter Obi with war veterans at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Enugu.