Abia State Government on Sunday joined the rest of the country to observe the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Thanksgiving service with Governor Alex Otti leading tributes to fallen Nigerian soldiers.
The interdenominational Thanksgiving Service at the Mater Dei Catholic Cathedral, Umuahia and organised by the Abia State Government in collaboration with the Nigerian Legion, Abia chapter, to honour both the living and fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti described Armed Forces Remembrance Day as a solemn reminder of the price paid by men and women who gave their lives to secure Nigeria’s unity and peace.
He lauded the armed forces for working in synergy with other Security Agencies and the people of Abia to maintain relative calm in the State.
“I want to thank service commanders for their labour of love we cannot take it for granted.
“We also want to thank our people for the massive support they are giving to the government.
“It is the armed forces, working with other security agents, working closely with the government, and of course our people, who are the chief security officers of their environment.
“The collective efforts have produced the results that we have”, the Governor stated.
Governor Otti reiterated that security remains a priority for his administration, noting that sustained engagement with security stakeholders has been institutionalised.
“For us, safety and security is our priority, and that’s why, virtually every month we sit down with all the service commanders and the Chairman of Council of Traditional Rulers to hold a security council meeting, where we review what has happened and map out strategies for the next month”, he stated.
The Governor assured Abians that his administration would continue to serve the people without distraction and pointed out that governance under his watch is inclusive.
“We will continue to work for our people, nothing can distract us. I want to assure you, that this government is a government of the people and not a government of few”, Governor Otti said.
The Governor expressed optimism that 2026 would bring significant progress to the state, adding that the changes already being witnessed would be sustained through the implementation of the year’s budget.
He also extended condolences to families of fallen heros and urged them to remain strong.
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Michael Kalu Ukpong, called on members of the Armed Forces to emulate Cornelius, the biblical army officer known for his fear of God, humility and devotion to prayer.
He reminded soldiers that they are servants of the people and should not intimidate those they are meant to protect, while urging them to embrace a life of prayer.
“We are celebrating Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance Day.
I ask our brothers and sisters in the military, how often do you pray?
“Always pray and be prepared, even if you are not in the war front, you have to pray. Every soldier needs to be in good terms with the Lord”, the Catholic Bishop emphasized.
The 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Thanksgiving service featured a thanksgiving procession led by Governor Otti, special prayers for the Abia State Government, as well as prayers for the repose of the souls of departed soldiers, the protection of serving personnel and continued peace in the State and the Country.
