Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his sustained efforts to build a strong, well-equipped and highly motivated Nigerian military capable of defending the nation’s sovereignty and tackling internal security challenges.
Governor Fubara gave the commendation on Thursday in Port Harcourt during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, where he praised the President for prioritising the acquisition of modern military hardware and improving the welfare of service personnel.
According to the governor, the Tinubu administration’s emphasis on capacity-building and enhanced welfare has significantly boosted morale within the armed forces and translated into visible gains in the fight against terrorism and other security threats across the country.
“We commend our President for equipping our armed forces with modern weapons and motivating them through significantly improved salaries and welfare packages,” Fubara said. “These efforts have contributed to the successes recorded in the fight against Boko Haram and other associated terrorist groups.”
Governor Fubara assured that the Rivers State Government would continue to support the Federal Government, the armed forces and other security agencies in sustaining peace and stability in the state and nationwide.
Reflecting on the sacrifices of Nigerian troops, he noted that soldiers are deployed across different regions to confront diverse security challenges.
“Our armed forces are actively engaged in the North-East, where they are battling Boko Haram and other insurgents,” he said. “They are also operating in the North-West and North-Central, combating banditry and criminal abductions that have led to loss of lives, destruction of property and mass displacement.”
He added that troops are equally deployed in the South-East and other parts of the southern region to address security concerns, including organised pipeline vandalism and transnational crude oil theft in the creeks and on the high seas.
The governor said the history of the Nigerian military is deeply rooted in sacrifice, recalling the lives lost during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and various international peacekeeping missions.
“Sadly, many more have paid the supreme price and continue to do so in places like the Sambisa Forest and other battle zones, while protecting our people from terrorists and bandits,” he said.
Fubara urged Nigerians to reflect on the legacy of the armed forces and collectively honour fallen heroes and their families.
“We celebrate our armed forces for their extraordinary sacrifice, loyalty and unwavering commitment to the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria,” he said. “The freedoms we enjoy today are safeguarded by their blood and sacrifice.”
He stressed that the nation owes both fallen and serving personnel an enduring debt of gratitude, noting that history would judge harshly any society that fails to honour its heroes.
“Today is not only a time to remember our fallen heroes, but also to appreciate our veterans and Gold Star families who bear the burden of sacrifice,” the governor added.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the welfare of ex-servicemen, Governor Fubara pledged continued logistical support to military formations in Rivers State and improved welfare for members of the Nigerian Legion and their families.
As a concrete step, he directed the Secretary to the Rivers State Government to immediately commence employment processes for the children of legionnaires and fallen heroes in the state, in fulfilment of an earlier pledge.
In his remarks, the Acting Chairman of the Nigerian Legion in Rivers State, ACC Kuu Aminkipo Promise, thanked Governor Fubara for sponsoring the 2026 remembrance event and for the ₦100 million donation from the state government, describing the gesture as exceptional and unprecedented.
Earlier, at the wreath-laying ceremony held at the Cenotaph in Isaac Boro Park, Governor Fubara inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the Nigerian Legion. The governor, alongside his deputy, the Chief Judge, service chiefs and the Chairman of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, laid wreaths in honour of fallen heroes and released a pigeon to symbolise peace.
