Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called for increased support for the Nigerian Armed Forces in recognition of their sacrifices toward preserving the unity and security of the nation.
The Governor made the call during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day ceremony held at the Museum Grounds, Oba Ovonramwen Square, Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo appealed to relevant authorities to ensure proper welfare and care for retired military personnel, noting that such support would serve as motivation for officers currently in active service.
As part of the ceremony, the Governor; his deputy, Dennis Idahosa; and other top government officials laid symbolic wreaths at the cenotaph in honour of the fallen heroes.
His Rivers State counterpart, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has stressed that the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes must never be forgotten, warning that history would not be kind to any generation that fails to celebrate the courage of the fallen, honour their memories, and preserve their legacy for future generations.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in Port Harcourt, the Governor noted that the commemoration should go beyond the ritual of wreath-laying, urging Nigerians to imbibe the values for which the fallen heroes fought and died.
He extolled the gallantry of the men and women who have laid down their lives to preserve the peace, unity, and territorial integrity of Nigeria.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara led other dignitaries, including the service commanders and the widow of one of the fallen heroes, to lay wreaths at the cenotaph of the unknown soldier at the Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt
Recounting the sacrifices being made by soldiers, the Governor said many of them are currently deployed to various fronts, courageously battling terrorist groups from within and outside the country, bandits, kidnappers, and other security threats confronting the peace and unity of the nation.
He pointed out that Nigeria has not witnessed this scale of violence and insecurity since the civil war, but emphasised that through courage and sacrifice, the Armed Forces have continue to hold the nation together.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara said the nation’s fallen heroes must never be forgotten, just as he wants the country to stop paying lip service to the welfare of veterans, widows, and other dependents of fallen heroes.
The governor also applauds President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to building a robust military that is prepared to defend the nation and address internal security challenges.
While reiterating his administration’s commitment to uplifting the welfare of veterans, widows, and dependents of fallen heroes, Governor Fubara has directed the Secretary to the State Government to commence the immediate employment of 50 children of veterans into the Rivers State Civil Service.
The Rivers State Governor also pledged that his administration will continue to strengthen its relationship with the various military command structures in the State and provide relevant logistical support to enhance their operations, well-being, and efficiency.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
