Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has urged Nigerians to continually remember and support the families of fallen heroes beyond annual remembrance ceremonies.
The governor made the call through the Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Parade held at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun also appealed to governments at all levels to improve welfare packages for the families of military personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Addressing journalists at the event, the Deputy Governor, Mrs Salako-Oyedele said the ceremony was organised to honour members of the Armed Forces who paid the supreme sacrifice while defending the nation against internal and external threats.
She said the Ogun State Government remained committed to supporting families of fallen heroes, adding that special Jumat and church services formed part of the remembrance programme.
The deputy governor called on Nigerians to demonstrate compassion and sustained support for families of those who gave their lives in service to the country.
Highlights of the event included the release of pigeons and the laying of wreaths by the Deputy Governor, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Chief Judge, senior Armed Forces officers, and paramount traditional rulers in the state.
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, describing their sacrifices as fundamental to Nigeria’s peace, unity, and survival.
The governor gave the assurance at the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Juma’at Prayer, held on Friday, 9 January 2026, at the Central Mosque, Democracy Park, Akure.
While addressing the congregation, Governor Aiyedatiwa honoured officers and men of the Armed Forces who served the nation with courage and patriotism, particularly those who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Aminu Takuro, the governor said the annual remembrance provides an important opportunity for government and citizens to reflect on the sacrifices made by security personnel to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He assured that the Ondo State Government would continue to prioritise the welfare of families of fallen heroes, while promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds.
Governor Aiyedatiwa commended security agencies in the state for their professionalism and effective collaboration in maintaining law and order.
He urged residents to continue supporting and appreciating ex-servicemen, paramilitary officers, and serving personnel.
“Our security personnel have chosen a path of sacrifice for the safety of our people. Many have paid the ultimate price, and their courage deserves our respect, support, and cooperation,” he said.
The governor also encouraged members of the public to support the Nigerian Legion by purchasing the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem, noting that the gesture symbolises collective gratitude to veterans and fallen heroes.
He thanked the Chief Imam of Akure for his consistent prayers and moral support, describing them as vital to peace, stability, and progress in the state.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Dr Abdulhakeem Yayi Akorede, called on leaders at all levels to sustain support for the Armed Forces and promote unity nationwide.
He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for ongoing developmental projects across Akure and other parts of Ondo State, expressing confidence in the administration’s commitment to the welfare of security personnel.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, described the Remembrance Day as a solemn occasion to honour both living and deceased veterans.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting veterans and their families, describing it as a hallmark of compassionate governance.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Legion in Ondo State, Major Folorunso Ajibowu Akingboju (Rtd), praised the state government for its continued support to legion members.
He highlighted Governor Aiyedatiwa’s donation of his one-month salary toward the launch of the Remembrance Day emblem as a strong demonstration of leadership and solidarity.
The Juma’at service attracted a distinguished audience, including a representative of the Brigadier Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adebowale Lawal, members of the State Executive Council, security operatives, Nigerian Legion officials, women leaders, civil servants, and other dignitaries.
The Lagos State Government has urged governments at all levels and well-meaning Nigerians to rise in support of widows of the nation’s fallen heroes, particularly in helping them shoulder family responsibilities and raise their children into responsible adults.
The call aims to prevent children who lose breadwinners from slipping into neglect and becoming vulnerable to criminal exploitation and violent activities.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hazmat, made the appeal at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Dedicated Jumat Service held in Ikeja, Lagos.
Dr Hazmat praised the nation’s Armed Forces for their sacrifices in protecting lives and property but expressed concern over the growing use of young people as agents of crime, especially in banditry and other anti-social activities.
He stressed that parents must take greater responsibility for the proper upbringing of their children, warning that poor home training fuels youth restiveness and insecurity.
According to him, responsible family planning—having only the number of children parents can adequately train and care for—would significantly reduce youth involvement in crime and anti-social behaviour.
The deputy governor again called on relevant agencies and compassionate Nigerians to support widows of fallen security personnel, stressing that caring for the children left behind remains a national duty.
In his opening remarks, the Lead Imam of the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa Ikeja, Dr. Sa’eid Ahmad, urged Nigerians to actively support government efforts to tackle insecurity.
Dr. Ahmad noted that criminals emerge from communities and insisted that if residents commit to identifying and isolating bad elements in their midst, the nation would be safer.
He also commended the Armed Forces for their sacrifices and dedication to national security.
The service concluded with special prayers for Nigeria and for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asking for divine guidance in steering the nation in the right direction.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called on Nigerians to embrace the nation’s diversity as a powerful force for unity and strength, not a trigger for division.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun delivered the charge at a Special Jumat Service held at the Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta, to commemorate the 2026 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day.
The governor described Nigeria’s prevailing security situation as a solemn reminder that peace is preserved through sacrifice, vigilance, and national unity.
He urged citizens to promote tolerance and actively support lawful security efforts across the country.
Governor Abiodun also commended President Bola Tinubu for his sustained efforts to strengthen the Armed Forces, improve personnel welfare, and confront security challenges, stressing that the peace Nigerians enjoy today has come at a significant cost.
In his sermon, the Mufassir of Egbaland, Alhaji Abdulahi Odaranile, emphasized that the security of lives and property remains fundamental to national development.
He called for prayers for fallen heroes and continued support for their families.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, described security as a shared national responsibility, while Chief Abdulrasheed Raji offered prayers for the nation’s leaders and praised ongoing support for families of fallen security personnel.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has paid glowing tribute to members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing them as symbols of patriotism, courage and selfless service to the nation.
Speaking at the official launch of the emblem for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Governor Adeleke praised the bravery and sacrifices of military personnel who have defended Nigeria’s sovereignty across multiple theatres of conflict.
Reflecting on the nation’s journey, the governor recalled the roles played by the armed forces from the Nigerian Civil War to peacekeeping and internal security operations in different parts of the country, noting that their commitment has remained unwavering in the face of daunting challenges.
He said the 2026 theme, “United for Peace, Security, and National Unity,” highlights the urgent need for collective action in building a peaceful and secure Nigeria where citizens can live without fear and communities can thrive irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.
Governor Adeleke urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the courage and resilience of serving personnel and veterans, stressing the importance of recognising and supporting ex-servicemen who have served the nation with distinction.
He called on citizens to use the occasion of the emblem launch as a reminder of their civic responsibility to promote peace, security and national unity, adding that only through collective effort can Nigeria achieve justice, equity and sustainable development.
Earlier, the Osun State Legion Chairman, Comrade Julius Oyarekun had appealed to the state government to increase his donations to make life better for the families of the fallen heroes and those with scars of war.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed annually to honour fallen soldiers and appreciate the contributions of serving and retired military personnel in safeguarding Nigeria’s unity and security.
