— Says a country that forget them risk losing its moral

…..pays glowing tributes to officers and men of the Armed Forces

By Dayo Johnson Akure

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state, has reaffirmed the deep commitment of his administration to the welfare of the veterans and the families of the departed heroes.

Aiyedatiwa said this at the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at the Government House Chapel, Alagbaka, Akure.

He added that “as people bound by shared history, collective responsibilities and enduring gratitude, we stand in the house of God to give thanks and praise for the souls of our fallen heroes.

” Brave men and women who answered the highest call of duty by laying down their lives in the defence of the country.

Represented by his Deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, the governor said that the Armed forces of Nigeria and the fallen servicemen and women, through their courage in time of war, conflicts, counter- terrorism operations, peacekeeping missions and other theatres of national service, preserved the unity and sovereignty of Nigeria.

“Aiyedatiwa said “undoubtedly their sacrifices are securing our present and safeguarding our future.

“The sacrifice of our heroes is precious not only to the country but also before God.

According to him ” the memories of our fallen heroes command our reference and their legacies impose on us a solemn obligation to build a society worthy of their sacrifices.

” Beyond the wall of remembrance, we are determined to offer tactical support through financial assistance, empowerment programmes and social interaction designed to restore dignity, hope and opportunity.

“Our partnership with the Nigerian Legion remains strong, purposeful and fair.”

The governor also reiterated the need for widows, dependents, and Legionnaires to continue engaging with various intervention programmes of his administration.

Aiyedatiwa said the initiatives are not acts of charity, they are expressions of justice and gratitude for sacrifices rendered in the service to our country.

While acknowledging the wealth of experience and capacity that resides in the retired Military personnel, the governor, called on them to continue to contribute to community development, peace building, mentorship and neighbourhood security, saying that their experience remains an asset to the state and the country.

He said ” I sincerely wish to thank everyone for joining me in this sacred commemoration service.

” My dear people of God, let us move further with renewed commitment to honour legacies of the Armed Forces, support our veterans and work tirelessly for a brighter and united future.

” As we proceed with the remaining activity marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, let us also with renewed resolve, resolve with honoured sacrifice, with responsibility, gratitude with action, may God grant eternal rest to the soul of the departed heroes.

Speaking earlier, the Commander 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Brigadier General J A Ifeanyi said that the Armed Forces of Nigeria had fought tenaciously to ensure that the sovereignty of Nigeria is not altered and that our people are still together.

Ifeanyi added that this feat couldn’t have been possible without the help of the Almighty God and the fervent prayers of the people of the country.

He thanked the State Government for putting up a beautiful and befitting church service and the men of God who conducted the Service of prayer for the Armed Forces.

Pastor Williams Aiyedatiwa who gave a sermon in commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, said that there is the need for us to invest God giving power wisely so that we can please God.

Drawing from the book of Isaiah, chapter 40, verses 28 to 31, and Philippians, chapter 2, verses 2 to 3, he said that if the righteous are in power, the people will enjoy.

He therefore called for total respect for the security personnel in the country, celebrating those who are still living, and the welfare of the widows and children of the fallen heroes should not be taken for granted.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Dr Seun Osamaye while appreciating the people who attended the service, thanked the governor for not paying lip service to the welfare of the people of the state.

Osamaye said the governor has showed this through his actions that he wants the best for his people.

The commissioner equally appreciated the governor “for the express approval given for the programme.

She thanked the Deputy Governor of the State Dr Olayide Adelami, the Brigadier Ifeanyi, Commander, 32 Artillery Bridgade, Akure, members of the State executive council, members of the House of Assembly and other dignitaries for gracing the occasion.

” To our fallen heroes, we expressed our deepest appreciation and eternal gratitude to the brave men and women who had paid the supreme price in the line of duty. Your commitment and sacrifice have safeguarded our freedom and territorial integrity.” She said

” Your legacies will continue to inspire generations to come. Today we honoured you and remember you.

“To our veterans and serving members, we salute your courage, your resilience and selfless dedication to the service of our nation.

“Your tireless efforts must continue to ensure the peace and security we are all enjoying “.

The Commissioner who acknowledged the burden of familiarities of both the living and the dead Officers said that the government and the people of the country know how difficult it was to have their love ones to be far away from them to ensure the sovereignty of the nation.

Other activity marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, include a military parade and wreaths laying ceremony at the state Government Cenotaph, at Akure, the State Capital and Local Government headquarters on Thursday 15th January, 2026.