The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji , has saluted the Nigerian Army, for making the required sacrifices and paying the harrowing ultimate price to make Nigeria a nation of pride, dignity and honour globally.
The governor commended the soldiers for the resilient and spirited efforts through which they are defending the nation’s territorial integrity, by fighting stridently, to subdue the multifaceted crises of banditry, insurgency and kidnapping across geopolitical zones.
Oyebanji gave the commendations, during a special church service commemorating the 2026 edition of the Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the Government House Chapel, Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital, on Sunday.
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, described the celebration as specially designed by the Federal Government to honour and venerate the patriotism, sacrifice, courage of military veterans and reaffirm assurances that their efforts wont result to nought.
Underscoring the significance of the celebration of the country’s military men, Oyebanji reminded that some paid the ultimate price, with many maimed and suffered eternal infirmities that will last for lifetime, in the course of discharging their arduous national tasks.
“Armed Forces Remembrance Day offers a moment of reflection. It reminds us that the peace and freedom that we enjoy today were not cheaply won. They were purchased with sweat, blood and supreme sacrifice.
“As we move towards the grand finale of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, let us renew our commitment to patriotism, national unity and peaceful coexistence. Let us honour our heroes not only with words, but with actions that promote justice, compassion and love for one another”.
Soliciting solid backing for the families of the fallen heroes, Oyebanji counseled that being benevolent, by lending hands of fellowship to the victims remains the best way to imbue the spirits of soldiers at the battlefields to work hard and win the wars against terrors and bandits.
He stated that, though, the country is currently being pummeled by series of insecurity crises, but noted that the citizens will eternally be grateful for the sacrifices the soldiers and other security agencies are making to secure the populace.
Oyebanji expressed his administration’s appreciation to all the security agencies for their concerted efforts that make Ekiti the most peaceful state in the country, urging them to sustain the synergy that has helped in accomplishing the exhilarating achievement.
“I appreciate the men and officers of the Nigerian Army for the enormous task they are discharging to the Nigerian people, particularly putting their lives on the line to protect the territorial integrity of our nation.
“We salute these sacrifices that had helped in making the country a nation of pride, dignity and honour.
“Most importantly, I want to assure you that our government will continue to support the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to achieve the task of making Ekiti State a safe and peaceful environment for businesses and habitation.
“With the concerted efforts of the security chiefs and their men, Ekiti has been rated as the most peaceful in the country. I charge you to keep the tempo and be rest assured that we will continue to provide the required motivations and support that will facilitate the efficiency of all security outfits to discharge their duties zealously and professionally.
“It is our fervent prayer that the God Almighty will protect the lives of our soldiers who are at the battlefields confronting the insurgents, bandits and kidnappers who were trying to make the country, not only unsafe, but to lose its respect globally”.
In his sermon, the Chaplain, Ekiti State Government House Chapel, Pastor Segun Awolumate, described security as a collective task that must be discharged seriously by Nigerians, saying the nation has been bedeviled by multifaceted crises due to negligence being displayed by citizens.
Awolumate, who spoke extensively on the biblical topic: “The Presence of God Makes a Difference”, appealed to the citizens to back the efforts being devised by the government and military top brass to secure the country through consistent prayers, vigilance and intelligence gathering.
“Those who have fought for this nation and those who are still fighting at the battlefields deserve our consistent and fervent prayers. We need the presence of God, because for us to have victory over our enemies, God’s presence is very essential. It is the key.
“Let me tell our officers to trust God more than they trust their weapons, because without the presence of God, the best gun can become a toy. The presence of God always make a difference in the life of any officer at the battlefield.
“I want to charge those in high commanding heights of our security forces to show resilience and courage at this time that we are facing insecurity. For us to have the desire victory, they must show the leadership we need. God will not forsake them”.
Dignitaries at the church service were: Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brig Gen Ebenezer Ogundana, Attorney Several and Commissioner of Justice, Dayo Apata(SAN), Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Barrister Niyi Idowu, Brigade Commander, 148 Artillery Brigade, Brig Gen. IW Iorakpen, other security chiefs, politicians , civil servants, among others .