The Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu has urged Nigerians, particularly members of the Armed Forces, not to lose faith in the country.
He made the plea during a combined church service held to commemorate the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in Cross River State.
The Governor whose speech was delivered by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mr Elvert Ayambem, described Nigeria as the only nation citizens can truly call their own, expressing confidence that despite current security challenges, the Armed Forces would once again overcome and emerge victorious, as they had done in the past both within and outside the country.
Prince Otu reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to strong collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the State, assuring that such partnership would not diminish but would rather improve in 2026.
He noted that when his administration assumed office, the state was grappling with criminality and social vices, but through synergy with the military, police and paramilitary agencies, Cross River State has become one of the most peaceful States in the country.
Governor Otu commended the Armed Forces for their support in achieving improved security, adding that his administration remains concerned about the welfare of personnel, including improvements within barracks and security formations across the State.
He also offered prayers and words of encouragement to widows and families of fallen heroes, assuring them of divine comfort and continued government support.
As part of the State’s commitment to the Armed Forces and the remembrance activities, the Governor announced a donation of Ten Million Naira in support of the event.
In a goodwill message, the Commander, 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Patrick Alimikhena explained that the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is set aside to honour the courage, sacrifice and selfless service of
gallant men and women of the Armed Forces and other security agencies who paid the ultimate price in defence of Nigeria.
He clarified that the annual event marked nationwide is officially known as Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, and not Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration as often misrepresented.
The Brigade Commander, who spoke on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, said the Day calls on Nigerians to pause, reflect and appreciate the sacrifices of fallen heroes, while also recognising officers and men still serving the nation under difficult and dangerous conditions.
Quoting John Chapter 15 Verse 13, he reminded the congregation that there is no greater love than for a person to lay down his life for others.
The Commander noted that the sacrifices of fallen service personnel are deeply etched not only in the nation’s history, but also in the hearts of their families, the communities they protected and the soul of the nation.
He paid special tribute to widows, widowers, children and families of deceased personnel, describing their sacrifices as profound and enduring, while praying for divine comfort and strength for them.
Brigadier-General Alimikhena further offered prayers for serving personnel across various theatres of operation, asking God to grant them protection, wisdom and strength.
He also prayed for national peace, stability, and divine intervention citing Psalm 127 Verse 1 which emphasises that except the Lord watches over a nation, the watchmen labour in vain.
He concluded with prayers for the repose of the souls of fallen heroes and God’s continued blessings upon the Armed Forces, other security agencies and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar, expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to honour the nation’s fallen heroes, noting that their sacrifices remain the foundation upon which Nigeria stands.
He thanked God for the lives of officers and men who gave their lives and future for the unity and survival of Nigeria, praying for their peaceful rest.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State also remembered the families they left behind, particularly widows and widowers, praying for God’s comfort and strength upon them.
Chief Ironbar lamented the current security challenges facing the country, stating that the intention of the fallen heroes was not for Nigeria to remain in turmoil.
He emphasised that they fought for unity and peace, expressing hope that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
He urged the Armed Forces to remain resolute and committed to ensuring that insecurity becomes a thing of the past, expressing confidence that God would restore peace and stability to the nation.
The event attracted top government officials, service commanders, senior officers both serving and retired, members of the Nigerian Legion, military widows, clergy, traditional rulers, civil servants and members of the press.
The programme ended with prayers for peace, unity and victory over insecurity, alongside a renewed call for faith in God, the Armed Forces and the leadership of the nation.
