Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has paid glowing tributes to officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces; serving, retired and fallen, for their selfless sacrifices in defending the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nation.
He spoke at a church service in commemoration of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held on Sunday at the Chapel of Grace, Government House Grounds, Akure, where he described the Nigerian armed forces as a formidable institution with unmatched resilience and strength across the globe.
Represented by his Deputy, Olayide Adelami, the Governor said the nation owes fallen military personnel a special place of honour for their ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace and unity.
His words, “In every generation, God raises individuals who stand in the gap so that others may live in peace. Our fallen servicemen and women were such individuals.
“Through their courage in times of war, internal conflicts, counter-terrorism operations, peacekeeping missions and other theatres of national service, they preserved the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria.
“Undoubtedly, their sacrifices are securing our present and safeguarding our future,” the governor said.
Aiyedatiwa appreciate serving and retired military personnel for their unwavering commitment to national security and reiterated his administration’s resolve to continue to support the widows and families of fallen heroes, while praying for God’s strength and comfort for them.
In his remarks, the Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Brigadier General J. A. Ifeanyi, also hailed the sacrifices of the departed heroes, noting that it is the collective responsibility of all Nigerians to ensure that their labour and sacrifices are not in vain.
Earlier in his sermon, the Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, Pastor Oluwatobi Oke, charged Nigerians to honour the memories of fallen heroes not only through ceremonies, but by promoting peace, unity and patriotism.
He emphasized that the sacrifices of the military should inspire citizens to uphold justice, love and national cohesion, while offering prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed and divine comfort for their families.
The highpoint of the church service was the customary presentation of cash donations to the church by the state commissioner for women affairs and social development, Seun Osemaye, on behalf of the state government, the Nigerian Military and the Nigerian Legion.
The climax of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day is the wreath-laying ceremony scheduled for Thursday, January 15, at the Government Cenotaphs in Akure.
