Security

Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Let’s unite for a better Nigeria – Abiodun

By Web News 629

By Abimbola Bamgbose

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has urged Nigerians to collaborate with governments at all levels to build a nation where unity and peace prevail over division, silencing the echoes of conflict.

Governor Abiodun made this call during a special church service marking the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta.

He emphasized the importance of preserving the legacies of the country’s fallen heroes, noting their sacrifices for Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

The Governor stressed that caring for the families of these heroes should not rest solely on the Nigerian Legion but should be a collective responsibility of all citizens.“Armed Forces Remembrance Day is not just another date on the calendar; it is a sacred moment to honor the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and recommit ourselves to the ideals they fought for,” Abiodun said. “Their patriotism, resilience, and courage serve as a beacon of inspiration for us all.”

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing measures that promote economic growth and ease challenges for citizens.

He also pledged continued support for law enforcement agencies in Ogun State to ensure the safety and security of all residents.

In his sermon, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Akinrodoye, Bishop of Egba Diocese of the African Church, called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in faith, united in purpose, and prayerful despite the nation’s challenges.

He highlighted the importance of gratitude to God and extending kindness to others as pathways to healing the nation.

Bishop Akinrodoye urged the government to provide security agencies with adequate resources to combat insurgency and called on Nigerians to show appreciation for security personnel working tirelessly to protect the nation.

He also advocated for support for the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace.

Prayers were offered for the peace of Nigeria, Ogun State, and the families of the fallen heroes.

Religion

Sacrifices of fallen heroes significant – Right Reverend Oyero

By Web News 441

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Bishop of the African Church, Ilaro, Ogun State, The Right Reverend Peter Oyero has appealed to Nigerians to sustain the hope for a better nation, despite the rising challenges confronting the country.

The Right Reverend Oyero made the appeal at a Special Church Service in commemoration of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day held at the Cathedral of St Peter  Ake, Abeokuta.

In a sermon entitled “Fight a good Fight” the Clergyman reminded the congregation of the sacrifices of Jesus who laid his life in atonement for the sins of mankind, urging the people to always acknowledge the significance of the sacrifices made by the nation’s fallen heroes towards ensuring the peace and stability of Nigeria.

He appealed to the Ogun State government to accord priority to meeting the people’s needs, especially in the area of road construction, noting that urgent intervention was necessary to make the Ilaro – Owode as well as Sango-Ota roads make life bearable for the residents.

In a remark, Governor Dapo Abiodun represented by his Deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako Oyedele, said his Administration would continue to prioritize the welfare of the families of fallen heroes and improve on the security apparatus of the State.

The service which featured prayers for the Country, the leaders, the Church and families of the departed heroes attracted dignitaries, including prominent traditional rulers from different parts of Ogun State, the State Chief Judge, federal and state lawmakers as well as representatives of many public and private organizations. 

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Human Angle

Cleric Urges Nigerians to Support Families’ of Fallen Heroes

By Web News 366

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

A special Jumat service has been held in Abeokuta in honour of the nation’s fallen heroes as part of activities marking this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Ogun State.

The Mufasir of Egbaland, Alhaji Abdulwahab Amolegbe who led the prayers at the Kobiti Central Mosque advised Nigerians to complement the government’s efforts and seek ways of adding value to the nation.

Alhaji Amolegbe who said the current challenges facing the country were surmountable, urged the relevant authorities to always support the armed forces and families of the fallen heroes.

Governor Dapo Abiodun in a message to the event reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the security apparatus of the state towards enhancing the safety of the people.

Governor Abiodun who was represented by his Deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako -Oyedele appreciated the sacrifices made by the armed forces in fostering national peace and unity, adding that their contributions would always be remembered and appreciated.

Also, the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo urged citizens to be hopeful assuring them of better days are ahead for the nation.

In a remark, the State Chairman Nigerian legion,Comrade Olumuyiwa Orukokotan appealed to Government to support the families left behind by the fallen heroes.

The special jumat featured prayers for the nation, Ogun state and the armed forces and the departed heroes.

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Security

Makinde Remembers War Heroes, Makes Case For Their Welfare

By Web News 652

Ahead of the January 15, 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has inaugurated the emblem and appeal fund.

Performing the ceremony at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan governor Makinde also donated three million naira to the state chapter of the Nigerian Legion.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr Rauf Olaniyan, the Governor appealed to well-meaning individuals and corporate organizations to support the war veterans and less privileged among ex-servicemen by donating generously to the Armed forces remembrance emblem appeal fund. “It is imperative that collective efforts be made to consciously care and cater for the needs of maimed soldiers, the widows, their children and other dependants of the fallen heroes as part of the Social Inclusion policy of the state government,’’ the governor said.

Earlier, the Commandant of the Oyo State Chapter of the Nigerian Legion, Ogunkojo Julius had appealed for a substantial upward review of the state donation to the legion.

He also urged Nigerians to donate generously to the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration to complement efforts of the state government.

The Deputy Governor, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan, some cabinet members and heads of security agencies in the State were later decorated with the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem.

Osun state governor, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola had on Wednesday launched the 2022, Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem in Osogbo, Osun state capital.

 At the ceremony held at the banquet hall of the government house , the governor noted that, no amount was too big to honour the fallen and injured Nigerian heroes who had sacrificed their comfort and lives for national unity and peace.

Iyabo Adebisi

News Analysis

Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Ensuring Unity in the Country

By Web News 1825

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day, AFRD, is observed on the 15th of January every year to commemorate fallen heroes and servicemen of the Nigeria Armed Forces.

To celebrate the day, military personnel from the army, navy, air force and the Nigerian Legion, along with the national and political leadership converge at the National Cenotaph in Abuja and Cenotaph of the thirty-six states of the federation to lay wreaths.

As the nation marks 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, there is no denying the fact that it is a time of security challenges of high magnitude.

This can be gleaned from the global terrorism report that the country is ranked as the third terrorist country in the world, after Iraq and Afghanistan.

Incessant attacks against civil populace and security personnel by Boko Haram and Islamic States West African Province, ISWAP, along with activities of kidnappers and bandits lead credence to this unfortunate terrorism ranking.

The security threats have undermined Nigeria in areas of trade, investment, economy, education, health as well as agriculture and frequently denied citizens the freedom of movement.

While inaugurating the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem and appeal fund, President Muhammadu Buhari had appealed to Nigerians to desist from actions and comments that could jeopardize the unity of the country.

The president reminded Nigerians of the need to guard jealously the unity of the nation which was won at a great cost.

To achieve this, no doubt, calls for the collaboration of all and sundry even as security forces strive to tackle insurgents, with some level of successful operations in the Northwest, North Central and North East geo-political zones.

It is worthy of note that combats which include Operation Lafiya Dole, Hadaran Daji, Harbinkunama, Whirl Stroke and others such as Accord, Sahel Sanity and Katsina had led to the return of normalcy in some of the affected states where terrorists and armed banditry were on the increase.

As the country celebrates the nation’s fallen heroes who served gallantly and paid the ultimate price, there is the need to ensure the wellbeing of personnel who are in the forefront of the battle to keep the nation secured and other members of the armed forces..

While military authorities should promptly address issues such as promotion and housing to motivate the officers to perform optimally.

It is equally vital that government sufficiently provide logistics support for the armed forces to operate with the best modern warfare equipment and military technology.

Also, families of the armed forces personnel who died in active service should be promptly supported and benefits of their deceased breadwinner paid in full.

Nigerians on their part should always endeavour to be committed to ensuring the nations unity despite differences in religion, ethnicity, political affiliations and other diversities.      

Olusola Otunuga