AFRD: Diri, Mbah, Oborevwori pay tribute to fallen heroes
• Urge Nigerians not to forget sacrifices
• Widows of heroes appeal to C’River govt to fulfill promises
As Nigeria celebrates the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD), some South-South and South-East governors have expressed gratitude for the sacrifices of the fallen heroes.
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has called for concerted efforts to build a Nigeria that embodies justice, equity and peace, deserving of the sacrifices of the nation’s fallen heroes.
Diri stated this, yesterday, at this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the Peace Park, in Yenagoa, the state capital. Paying tribute to the nation’s slain heroes, he stressed the need to move beyond ceremonial gestures and ensure that the sacrifices of the heroes are reflected in the progress and betterment of society.
The Bayelsa governor said as Nigerians gather yearly to honour the memory of former and late soldiers, he expressed concern about the paradox that underscored their ultimate sacrifice, because they paid the supreme price so that others might live.
ON his part, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, extolled the bravery and sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces and veterans, saying that the nation owes them eternal gratitude.
Mbah recognised and appreciated the role of the Armed Forces in the peace and security that currently prevail in the state. The governor spoke during the ceremonies marking the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in the state capital yesterday.
He said: “Our debt of gratitude to you is eternal, not just one felt for a day. For us, this debt of gratitude is not mere lip service. It is a debt we are obligated to repay because yours has been a career of lifelong service to the nation.
“Yours have been a career dedicated to keeping us safe, sometimes at the risk of your lives. The cenotaphs across the country are stark reminders of the price that our armed forces personnel have been paying, from colonial times to the present day.”
Also, the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevweri, yesterday, said the departed heroes and those still sacrificing their lives for the unity and peace of the country will not be neglected after all.
Oborevwori gave the assurance while speaking with journalists shortly after laying the wreath at the Commemoration of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held in Asaba, the state capital.
While asking Nigerians to pray for the souls of departed heroes to have internal rest, he assured their families of the government’s support at all times.
For the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, the invaluable contributions of the Armed Forces in maintaining peace, stability, and security in Nigeria would remain indelible in the minds of all Nigerians.
MEANWHILE, the Cross River State chapter of the Nigerian Legion and wives of the fallen heroes have appealed to the state government to fulfil all promises made to them.
At this year’s event held at the Millennium Park Cenotaph in Calabar, the state chairman of widows of the fallen heroes, Mrs Helen Andrew, who lauded the Nigerian Army for its welfare packages for the families of the heroes, also appeared for support from corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to address issues that affect their welfare.
Governor Bassey Otu, represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, assured the legion and the widows that the current administration is ready to make life comfortable for them, especially in terms of social intervention programmes.
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