Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has commended members of the Armed Forces and other Security Agencies for their role in restoring peace and stability across the country and Abia in participate.
The Governor made the commendation at the Major-General Aguiyi Ironsi Cenotaph Umuahia, during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day; an event marked annually across the Country to honour the sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes and to celebrate the courage of serving Military Personnel.
The Governor said the improved Security situation in the State was the product of sustained collaboration between the Government and Security Agencies.
He stressed that the progress recorded could not have been achieved without the dedication and sacrifices of Security personnel deployed across the State.
“In Abia, we are grateful to members of the Armed Forces for their enduring commitment to peace and security in our community.
“Abia has moved quickly from the anxiety of the last few years to assume a new identity as one of the safest destinations to live and travel to.
“This could not have happened without the commitment of our partners in the various Security establishments”, Governor Otti noted.
The Governor further commended the leadership of the different Security Agencies in Abia State for what he described as their “unyielding resolve to the safety of lives and property in the urban and rural centres” of the State.
According to him, the impact of improved Security has gone beyond peace and safety, extending to economic recovery and social stability.
“The exceptional courage you bring to the discharge of your duties has not only improved the social and economic realities of our people, it has led to the reactivation of resources that were hitherto dormant, especially agricultural lands”, he said.
Governor Otti assured the Armed Forces and other Security Agencies of the continued support of his administration and pledged to provide all necessary assistance required to maintain law and order.
The Governor also paid tribute to fallen heroes including foreign peacekeepers who lost their lives in active service in the State noting that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
He disclosed that the State Government has committed to the welfare of the families of deceased Military and Police personnel, noting that their spouses had been provided with means of sustenance, while their children were placed on scholarships up to tertiary level.
Govenor Otti used the occasion to call on Nigerians to reject violence, extremism and intolerance, urging citizens to embrace dialogue and mutual understanding in resolving disagreements.
He further urged Citizens to learn from history and remain committed to building a nation bound by justice, freedom and fairness, as the country continues its journey towards peace and sustainable development.
Speaking in an interview with Journalists, the Abia State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya commended Governor Otti, for initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of retired soldiers in the State.
Comrade Ogbonnaya raised concerns over what he described as the “poor welfare” and working conditions of serving Nigerian soldiers by the Federal Government, despite the annual commemoration of Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
The NLC Chairman further decried the plight of families of fallen heroes, stating that many widows and dependants were often neglected after their breadwinners lost their lives defending the nation’s territorial integrity.
He therefore called on the Federal Government to urgently address the welfare of serving soldiers and the families they left behind.
The 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration featured the inspection of Guard of honour by Governor Otti, prayers in honour of fallen heroes, laying of wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier as well as the release of pigeons signifying peace.
