Gov Aiyedatiwa launches 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal Fund

……Reaffirms commitment to citizens’ welfare

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Monday flagged off the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal Fund, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to placing the welfare of citizens, particularly veterans and families of fallen heroes, at the centre of governance.

The governor made this known during the official launch of the appeal fund held at the Cocoa Conference Centre, Governor’s Office, Akure, describing the occasion as a solemn moment to honour the courage, sacrifice and enduring legacy of Nigerian servicemen and women who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation.

Governor Aiyedatiwa commended security agencies in Ondo State for their professionalism and unwavering dedication to the protection of lives and property, while congratulating the newly elected State and Area Council executives of the Nigerian Legion.

He noted that Armed Forces Remembrance Day was not merely ceremonial, but a moral obligation to support widows, dependants and families left behind by fallen heroes.

He assured serving and retired military personnel that their sacrifices would never be forgotten, stressing that the state government would continue to recognise, respect and appreciate their services to the nation.

According to him, the annual remembrance also serves as encouragement to officers still in active service, whose duties demand uncommon courage and sacrifice.

The governor explained that the Emblem Appeal Fund is aimed at raising resources through the sale of emblems and voluntary donations to cater for the welfare of widows, dependants and disabled veterans.

He reaffirmed that his administration places citizens’ welfare at the forefront of governance, adding that the state had increased financial support to the Nigerian Legion alongside other social intervention and empowerment programmes.

Governor Aiyedatiwa urged the Nigerian Legion to encourage its members and widows to take full advantage of the state government’s social intervention initiatives, while also calling on retired military personnel to continue contributing meaningfully to community development, particularly in neighbourhood security efforts.

 

He further appealed to corporate organisations, non-governmental organisations and public-spirited individuals to partner with government in supporting veterans and their families, noting that the responsibility of rehabilitating and empowering them should not rest on government alone.

The governor commended local government councils in the state for their consistent statutory donations to the Nigerian Legion and appreciated individuals, organisations and institutions whose support has sustained the programme over the years.

He also encouraged participation in activities lined up for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, including religious services and the military parade and wreath-laying ceremony.

Governor Aiyedatiwa formally launched the sale of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem in Ondo State with a state donation of ₦5 million, urging all stakeholders to give generously in honour of the nation’s fallen heroes.

In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, urged stakeholders to support families of fallen heroes and incapacitated soldiers.

She described the occasion as profoundly significant, honouring those who have served the nation and safeguarded its freedoms and stressed the importance of recognising active-duty officers representing Nigeria domestically and internationally.

Osamaye explained that the Emblem Appeal Fund would raise resources to support families and dependents of fallen heroes, as well as surviving soldiers and incapacitated officers.

She called on all present to reflect on the sacrifices of fallen heroes, veterans and active military personnel, describing their courage as deserving of the nation’s deepest gratitude.

She added that the initiative would fund commemorative activities, educational programmes and support services for veterans and their families, insisting it was a collective responsibility to preserve their legacies.

Appealing for contributions, Osamaye emphasised that every donation, no matter how small, would make a meaningful difference, urging organisations and agencies yet to pledge or honour previous commitments to act urgently.

She outlined the final parade’s events, including wreath-laying, empowerment of widows, and the release of ceremonial pigeons for national peace, alongside other celebrations and funfair activities.

Major Folorunso Akingboju, Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Ondo State Command, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support for veterans, widows, orphans and dependents.

He congratulated the governor on his “18-0 victory” in the last election, highlighting it as a reflection of citizens’ confidence in his leadership.

He reaffirmed that the welfare of veterans and families of fallen heroes remains a priority, with ongoing support in health, education and financial empowerment programmes.

Citing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s statement during the launch of the emblem on December 3, 2025, Akingboju reminded that Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed annually on January 15, honours Nigeria’s fallen heroes and recognises the bravery of living veterans.

He urged all Nigerians and stakeholders in Ondo State to procure and wear the emblem with pride until the celebration.

Highlighting the Legion’s operational needs, Akingboju requested a replacement patrol vehicle, a passenger bus, and renovation of the Ondo State Legion office, which requires roof repairs, repainting and landscape restoration.

He also called for increased monthly subventions to all 18 Local Government Legion councils, government patronage of Legion security services, and timely deduction of statutory donations from local councils to prevent delays ahead of January 15.

He expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development and the Chairman of Akure South Local Government Council for their support, urging other councils to emulate their commitment.

He appealed to Nigerians, companies and organisations to assist incapacitated veterans, widows and dependents of fallen heroes and to procure the emblem in honour of those who served the nation.

Prominent attendees included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Ayedun Odusola; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip; members of the State Executive Council; State Chairman, SUBEB, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan; Director General, OSRC Media Group, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson; Rector, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Mr Olorunwa Adegun; labour leaders; heads of security agencies; political appointees and other top government functionaries.