………Nigeria’s unity, sovereignty remain non-negotiable – Brig. Gen. Ifeanyi
By Precious Oluwole
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has assured that his administration will remain steadfast in supporting veterans, widows and dependants of fallen soldiers, stressing that remembrance must be coupled with practical action to honour those who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, made the declaration on Sunday during an interdenominational church service at the Government House Chapel of Grace, Akure, organised as part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
Aiyedatiwa emphasised the need for Nigerians to honour the Armed Forces, whose members laid down their lives defending the country. Quoting John 15:13, he noted that “no man has greater love than this, to lay down his life for others,” pointing to the sacrifices of fallen soldiers as a reflection of Christ’s teaching.
He added that although the departed heroes were no longer alive, their memories endured through the lives they touched and the sacrifices they made.
“The Armed Forces and all supporting them deserve pride, honour and appreciation. Nigerians must always be proud of those who protect the country,” Adelami said.
Describing the remembrance service as a sacred gathering of worship, reflection and gratitude, the governor stressed that participants were assembled not merely as government officials or citizens, but as a people bound by shared history, collective responsibility and enduring appreciation for those who served the nation.
He noted that the service was held to give thanks and pray for the souls of fallen heroes, men and women who answered the highest call of duty by laying down their lives in defence of Nigeria.
“In every generation, God raises individuals who stand in the gap so that others may live in peace. Our fallen servicemen and women were such individuals,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa noted the courage of fallen heroes in wars, internal conflicts, counterterrorism operations, peacekeeping missions and other national assignments, stating that their sacrifices secured Nigeria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He affirmed that their sacrifices continue to secure the present and safeguard the future, emphasising that scripture recognises the value of such sacrifices before God.
Paying glowing tribute to officers and men of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, both serving and retired, the governor commended their dedication, discipline and resilience. Despite daunting challenges, security personnel remained steadfast in the defence of lives and property, including in Ondo State, he assured, promising the government’s respect and support.
He also thanked all security agencies, including the Amotekun Cops, for their professional conduct in protecting lives and property.
Turning attention to the families of fallen heroes, including widows, children and dependants, Aiyedatiwa noted their silent struggles and enduring strength as a heavy cost of service that must not be overlooked.
He warned that a nation that forgets the families of its heroes risks losing its moral soul.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s determination to provide practical support through financial assistance, empowerment programmes and social interventions aimed at restoring dignity, hope and opportunity. He said the partnership between the state government and the Nigerian Legion remained strong, purposeful and fair, urging widows, dependants and legionnaires to continue engaging with the administration’s intervention programmes.
“These initiatives are not acts of charity; they are expressions of justice and gratitude for sacrifices rendered in service to our country,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa also acknowledged the wealth of experience among retired military personnel, describing many as energetic, disciplined and still committed to service.
He urged them to continue contributing to community development, peace-building, mentorship and neighbourhood security, noting that their experience remained a valuable asset to the state.
In her vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, said the programme honoured fallen heroes and veterans who paid the supreme price in service to Nigeria.
She thanked the governor, represented by his deputy, and the Speaker of the State Assembly, and praised the fallen heroes for laying the foundation of the nation’s freedom and territorial integrity.
“To our fallen heroes, we express our deepest appreciation and eternal gratitude. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations to come,” she said, adding that the government would continue to support families of both serving and deceased personnel.
In his remarks, Brigadier General Justin Ifeanyi, Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 32 Artillery Brigade, said the Armed Forces had consistently kept faith with Nigerians, from the civil war era to the present battle against insurgency.
He stated: “From the civil war up to today, we are still fighting insurgency. The Armed Forces have ensured that the sovereignty of Nigeria is not attacked and that our people remain together.”
Brig.-Gen. Ifeanyi noted that the military’s achievements were sustained through prayers and divine support, describing the Armed Forces as a working institution committed to the unity of the country.
“The Lord has been with us and the Armed Forces have been our strength. Our motto is victory and we have been fighting to keep Nigeria together. I promise you, we have been doing it very, very well,” he said.
He thanked the Ondo State Government for organising a well-coordinated service and appreciated the women of God who prayed for fallen heroes and their families.
He assured that the Armed Forces would continue to support the families of deceased personnel, stressing that none would be abandoned.
He invited members of the public to the grand finale of the Armed Forces Day celebration scheduled for Thursday, January 15, including the military parade and wreath-laying ceremony approved by the Federal Government.
Earlier, Pastor Williams Aiyedatiwa admonished leaders to exercise power with restraint, integrity and responsibility, warning that misuse of authority had contributed to the loss of many lives being remembered.
He said the gathering was not only to celebrate fallen heroes but also to reflect on the root causes that led to their deaths.
Citing Isaiah 40:29, the cleric said God “gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless,” stressing that power is a loan with collateral in integrity and dignity, and interest in good service.
“Power has an expiry date and must be invested wisely to please God,” he warned, urging leaders to avoid arrogance, the “principle of otherness,” and actions that breed crises or cost lives.
Pastor Aiyedatiwa called on Nigerians to respect security personnel, both living and fallen, and appealed to leaders to ensure families of fallen heroes were properly cared for, noting that the sacrifices of the deceased ensured the safety enjoyed by others.
The event was attended by the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu; the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; the Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; the Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip; the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Tob Loko; the Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Barr. Allen Sowore; members of the Ondo State House of Assembly; the Chairman of SUBEB, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan; the Director-General of OSRC Media Group, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson; alongside other political appointees.
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