Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has reiterated that security remains the foundation of every prosperous society, calling for a sustained  peace and security for national growth.

The governor also commended the Nigerian Army for its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and maintaining peace across the country.

“As everyone knows, security remains the vital foundation of any prosperous society, and a nation sleeps in peace because brave men and women stand awake in its defence,” he said.

Governor Fubara made the remarks at an event marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration in Port Harcourt. He was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma.

Paying tribute to fallen military personnel, the governor said their sacrifices remained invaluable to Nigeria’s unity and democratic growth.

“We honour those who have paid the ultimate price and stand in solidarity with the families they left behind. Their sacrifices continue to preserve our nation’s unity, protect our territorial integrity, and sustain our democracy,” he said.

Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies operating in the state.

According to him, the strong partnership between the Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has significantly enhanced peace, security and economic growth in the state.

“We sincerely appreciate the Nigerian Army’s relentless efforts in maintaining law and order in Rivers State, creating an environment where residents can live and sleep peacefully,” he added.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said the Nigerian Army Day Celebration provided another opportunity to strengthen public support, deepen civil-military relations and execute community development projects across Rivers State.

He said the Army had undertaken several intervention projects as part of the celebration, including the renovation of community secondary schools and the provision of solar-powered boreholes to improve the welfare of host communities.

Shaibu stressed that achieving lasting national security requires the trust, cooperation and active participation of citizens.

“As an Army, we recognise the indispensable role of the people in supporting our efforts to achieve national security objectives within a joint, multifaceted and dynamic security environment. Enduring security can only be achieved through a strong partnership between the military, other security agencies and the communities we are sworn to protect. This understanding forms the basis of our Civil-Military Cooperation Projects Scheme and other non-kinetic operations,” he said.

A statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of Secretary to the State Government, Juliana Masi, noted that the Army Chief thanked the Rivers State Government and residents for their continued support, assuring them of the military’s commitment to both kinetic and non-kinetic operations in addressing security challenges.

“We will continue to collaborate with other security and intelligence agencies, as well as local communities, to provide a secure and enabling environment for socio-economic development.

“I urge all Nigerians to continue to trust the Nigerian Army and remain steadfast in supporting our collective efforts toward ensuring lasting peace, stability and national development,” he said.