Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their unwavering courage, sacrifice, patriotism, and dedication to safeguarding the nation.
Governor Otti gave the commendation on Wednesday while speaking at the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, held at the Aguiyi Ironsi Cenotaph, Umuahia.
The Governor highlighted the critical role of the Armed Forces in defending the nation’s sovereignty amidst rising threats of insecurity and noted that their sacrifices, which transcend the battlefield, form the backbone of the nation’s stability.
He commended the Federal Government for expanding the scope of the event to include the celebration of active servicemen and women who defend the nation’s territorial borders from internal and external threats.
“As a nation, it is fitting that a day like this is set aside to collectively celebrate the sacrifices of our servicemen and women and also honour thousands of others who have paid the ultimate price in various battlefronts starting from the First World War.
“I would like to commend the Federal Government for expanding the scope of this event to include the celebration of active servicemen and women defending our territorial borders from internal and external threats.
“Today is therefore an excellent opportunity to honour the memories of those who gave their lives that our nation and its highest values might long endure, and to also appreciate those who continue to fight in different battlefields,” Governor Otti stated.
He emphasized that the more important takeaway of the celebration is “the need to evolve a new set of national values that promote justice as the foundation of our national unity.”
Governor Otti urged Nigerians to “reject corruption and all forms of abuse of public trust and ultimately, enthrone meritocracy, fairness, and an enduring sense of patriotism in the execution of duties as stakeholders in a national renaissance project.”
The Governor honored the memories of the brave servicemen who died in active duty in different parts of the state in the last year, including Staff Sergeant Charles Ugochukwu, Sergeant Bala Abraham, Corporal Ugwu Gideon, Corporal Ikpeama Ikechukwu, Lance Corporal Augustine Emmanuel, Lance Corporal Owolabi Ojo, Sergeant Ojo Godwin, Corporal Aliu Sunday, and Lance Corporal Akhider Sunday.
Governor Otti, who used the occasion to reaffirm the state government’s commitment to the welfare of the Armed Forces, announced that the Abia State Government had fulfilled its pledge to support the families of fallen heroes.
He disclosed that financial assistance has been provided to the spouses of the deceased and added that the state has taken over the educational sponsorship of their children up to the university level.
“It is our job to support these brave men and women who make uncommon sacrifices to guarantee the security and peace of our nation,” Governor Otti said.
The Governor urged citizens to support the Armed Forces by cooperating with security agencies and upholding values of unity, patriotism, and justice. He also called on the military to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
He appreciated the leadership of the different security establishments working in the state for their commitment to the safety of the people and assured them that his administration would continue to partner with them in ridding the state of all forms of crimes, criminalities, and criminals.
The 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration featured the inspection of the guard of honour by Governor Otti, prayers in honour of fallen heroes, the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the release of pigeons signifying peace.
