Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has directed the Special Adviser on Security to collaborate with the leadership of the Nigerian Legion to improve the welfare of ex-service personnel and the families of fallen heroes.
Governor Otti gave the directive on Sunday during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service at the Queen Elizabeth Chapel, Federal Medical Center, Umuahia.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Armed Forces, in recognition to their sacrifices for peace and national unity.
He emphasized his adminstration’s dedication to improving the welfare of security personnel in the state noting that their sacrifices, often made under perilous conditions, deserved both recognition and celebration.
“Sometimes I drive out late at night just to see how the security forces are faring and I have had course to speak with my people about a few things we need to change to make life easier for them.
“I have been quietly intervening where I can. The truth about it is that it is not easy to make sacrifices, you sign up for a job and you know that the chances of dying are 50-50.
“So, for you to have taken that decision, you deserve to be celebrated and today we celebrate you”, Otti said.
Governor Otti who underscored the importance of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, which annually honors the nation’s fallen heroes and living veterans, also acknowledged the historical evolution of the day, from its initial observance on November 11, marking the end of World War I, to January 15, commemorating the end of the Nigeria-Biafra War in 1970.
“Today we are not just remembering, we are also celebrating you, our indefatigable Armed Forces men for the day and night that you spend on duty to ensure that we sleep with our two eyes closed.
“So, on behalf of the Abia State Government thank you for the job you do and we are very grateful and cannot take your sacrifices for granted“, the Governor said.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Commodore Austin Duruoha (rtd), noted that the celebration had been organised to remember the sacrifices of the fallen heroes and celebrate the contributions of the living heroes and called for additional support for the widows and families of deceased servicemen.
“We have to take proper care of the widows through the Legion, which is why it was established,” Duruoha said.
In a sermon titled; “Fear Not, for I am with you”, the Chaplain of the Church,Very Rev’d Ernest Onyeukwu, who centered his message on Isaiah 43:1-7, encouraged Christians to trust in God despite challenges such as economic hardship, insecurity, and societal wickedness.
“It is indeed difficult to tell someone not to fear in the face of adversity, many are disillusioned, hopeless, and overwhelmed.
“But the Bible reminds us that the phrase “Fear not” appears 365 times—a daily reminder from God that He is with us every single day of the year”, he said.
