Governors across several states yesterday reaffirmed their commitment to the welfare of families of fallen military personnel.
Some of them announced concrete measures to support dependents of officers who paid the supreme price in defence of Nigeria.
The governors include Seyi Makinde(Oyo), Dapo Abiodun(Ogun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa(Ondo), Hope Uzodimma(Imo), Peter Mbah(Enugu), Seminalayi Fubara(Rivers), Peter Mbah(Enugu), Alex Otti(Abia), Sheriff Oberevwori (Delta), Chukwuma Soludo(Anambra) and Caleb Mutfwang(Plateau)
Ogun
At the special parade and wreath-laying held at the Arcade Ground in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun reiterated his administration’s resolve to improve the welfare of families of deceased soldiers and veterans of the Nigerian Army.
He said fallen heroes and war veterans deserved lasting honour and recognition, stressing that the peace and unity enjoyed in the country were products of their patriotism and sacrifice.
The governor noted that despite prevailing security challenges, the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day remains a solemn opportunity for government and citizens to honour heroes past and reassure the living of continued support.
“I commend the gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army. Your professionalism, discipline and commitment to duty continue to underpin the peace and stability we enjoy in Ogun State and across the country. We do not take your sacrifices for granted,” Abiodun said.
While praying for the repose of the souls of fallen officers and soldiers, he assured that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of their families, as well as extend support to veterans in recognition of their selfless service to the nation.
Oyo
Governor Makinde assured residents that his administration will make further efforts to strengthen the security architecture of the state so as to ensure that every space is secure.
At the grand finale at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan,
Makinde expressed appreciation to the officers and men of the Armed Forces for securing the state. Urging t them not to relent in their efforts, the governor hinted that plans were afoot to set up a welfare scheme for the families of the five forest guards killed recently at the Oloka Village axis of the old Oyo National Park in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
He also assured that his administration would continue to remember and support maimed soldiers, widows, orphans and other dependents of the fallen heroes, because they paid the ultimate price to keep the country safe and secure.
Ondo
At the Government Cenotaph, Alagbaka in Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa approved the sum of N50 million for 120 widows and dependents of fallen heroes in the state.
The governor said the fund is an interest-free microcredit loan designed to empower widows of fallen heroes economically.
He said that AFCRD represented the highest form of respect for those who paid the ultimate price in the defence of the nation, while also honouring living veterans and serving military personnel committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Rivers
State Siminalayi Fubara ordered the immediate employment of the children of fallen servicemen in the state.
.
Fubara said the decision reflected his administration’s firm commitment to supporting the Armed Forces, other security agencies and the families of officers who lost their lives defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He also reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to continue working closely with military formations in Rivers State through logistical and welfare support to enhance their effectiveness.
According to the governor, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Benibo Anabraba, has been given a clear mandate to ensure the immediate implementation of the employment directive for eligible beneficiaries.
“I want to mention here that in line with our support, the secretary to the state government has been given a marching order to ensure that the employment promised by the state government for the children of our veterans would be immediately attended to,” Fubara said.
He explained that the move was designed to provide direct socio-economic relief to families of deceased servicemen, while also improving the welfare of members of the Nigerian Legion and their dependents.
Imo
In Owerri, Governor Uzodimma announced a N600 million support package for families of security personnel who lost their lives in active service.
At the event, commanders of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services and other security agencies were presented with cheques to be distributed to families of personnel who died recently in active service, as well as those who sustained injuries in the line of duty.
Uzodimma paid glowing tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, noting that their sacrifices continue to guarantee the unity, peace and survival of Nigeria.
He described the occasion as one of deep reflection and national gratitude, stressing that Nigerians owe an immeasurable debt to both the living and fallen heroes of the Armed Forces.
“As we enter another day in the year, we pause to acknowledge a profound debt that can never be fully repaid. We gather to pay tribute to the men and women of our Armed Forces, both living and dead, whose patriotism and sacrifice have secured our nation against external aggression and internal revolt,” said the governor.
Anambra
During the ceremony in Awka, Governor Soludo applauded President Tinubu for his renewed vigour in tackling terrorism and other forms of insecurity across the country.
He expressed confidence that the lingering terrorism in the country would soon be conquered with increased commitment of the Federal Government.
Soludo said: “I want to pay special tribute to the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, President Bola Tinubu, for the seriousness with which he has taken on the issue of insecurity.
“It’s important to remind ourselves as a nation how we got to where we are, and how long it has taken us to get to where we are. For almost two decades now, this problem has festered and is almost becoming the new normal.
“But with the renewed vigour we’ve seen and collaboration we’ve seen both from members of armed forces, but from external agencies, we’re confident that this terror will finally be dealt with and decisively conquered. Mr President, kudos to the great work and keep it up.”
The governor, however, expressed worry over the lack of interest of people of the state and Southeast in general towards enlisting in the Nigerian military and Police, regretting that such a disposition would only be counter-productive in the long run.
He urged youths in the state to enlist in the armed forces of Nigeria, just as he called on those still in the bushes and forests in the guise of liberators to come out and embrace peace.
Abia
Governor Otti praised members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their dedication to restoring and sustaining peace and stability across Nigeria, particularly in Abia State.
He attributed the improved security situation in Abia State to sustained collaboration between the state government and security agencies, noting that the progress recorded would not have been possible without the commitment and sacrifices of security personnel deployed across the state.
The governor said: “In Abia, we are deeply grateful to members of the Armed Forces for their unwavering commitment to peace and security in our communities.
“Abia has moved from the anxiety of previous years to a new identity as one of the safest places to live in and travel to.
“This achievement is a direct result of the dedication of our partners in the various security establishments.”
Enugu
Also, Governor Mbah reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government to support the Armed Forces, fallen heroes, and their families.
Mbah also stressed the need to learn from the scars of division and internal conflicts inherent in the nation’s history to build a more united and secure society, saying that “peace and safety must be protected by restraint, dialogue, and shared responsibility.”
He described January 15 of every year as a solemn day when Nigerians must pause, reflect deeply, and acknowledge the price paid by the nation’s heroes so that other citizens may live in safety.
“As a state government, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces and their families. This support goes beyond ceremony. It is reflected in practical care, in advocacy, and in partnership with the Federal Government to ensure that those who serve, and those who have served, are treated with respect and care,’’ the governor said.
Oborevwori, service commanders, others honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes
Delta
At the laying of wreaths at the ceremonial tomb of the unknown soldier at the Cenotaph in Asaba, Governor Oberevwori said AFCRD symbolises peace, hope, and renewal of hope for a safer Nigeria.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the noble ideals for which the nation’s heroes fought and fell.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Governr Monday Onyeme; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor; Chief Judge of the state, Justice Tessy Diai; Service Commanders of the Armed Forces and the Commissioner of Police in the state.
Plateau
The Plateau State Government joined the rest of the nation to commemorate the day.
The ceremony commenced with interdenominational prayers offered for the repose of the souls of fallen heroes and for continued peace and stability in the country.
This was followed by the laying of wreaths and a moment of silence in honour of the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of ex-servicemen, legionnaires, and the immediate families of fallen officers.
He described the sacrifices of the Armed Forces as invaluable, noting that their courage and patriotism remain the foundation upon which the nation’s peace and freedom stand.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Josephine Piyo, Mutfwang emphasised that the Plateau State Government would continue to partner with security agencies to promote peace and unity, while ensuring that the sacrifices of fallen heroes are never forgotten.
