Nigerian Governors Pledge Continued Support for Military and Families of Fallen Heroes

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed confidence that groups like Boko Haram and other terrorist organizations will be overcome through persistent dedication to bolstering the Nigerian military. He also lauded President Bola Tinubu's administration for its ongoing efforts to cultivate a well-equipped, motivated, and professional armed forces capable of safeguarding Nigeria's sovereignty and addressing internal security threats.

Governor Fubara conveyed these sentiments in Port Harcourt during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day event, where he acknowledged the Federal Government's prioritization of acquiring modern military equipment and enhancing personnel welfare. He noted that the Tinubu administration's focus on capacity development and welfare improvements has significantly boosted morale within the armed forces, leading to discernible progress in combating terrorism and other security challenges.

"We commend our President for equipping the armed forces with modern weapons and for motivating them through improved remuneration and welfare packages," Fubara stated. "These efforts have translated into visible successes in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups."

The Rivers State governor pledged that his administration would continue to collaborate with the Federal Government and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability within the state and across the nation. Reflecting on the sacrifices made by Nigerian troops, Fubara highlighted their deployment across the country to confront a wide spectrum of security issues, including the fight against Boko Haram in the Northeast, and efforts to combat banditry and criminal abductions in the Northwest and North-Central regions.

Similarly, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, reaffirmed his administration's dedication to partnering with the Federal Government in providing support for the Nigerian Armed Forces, fallen heroes, and their families. He stressed the importance of learning from the nation's history of division and internal conflicts to foster a more unified and secure society, asserting that "peace and safety must be protected by restraint, dialogue, and shared responsibility."

Governor Mbah made these remarks during the 2026 Remembrance Day and Wreath- Laying Ceremony at Okpara Square, Enugu. He described January 15th annually as a solemn occasion for Nigerians to pause, reflect, and acknowledge the profound sacrifices made by national heroes for the safety of fellow citizens. "As a state government, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces and their families. This support goes beyond ceremony. It is reflected in practical care, in advocacy, and in partnership with the Federal Government to ensure that those who serve, and those who have served, are treated with respect and care."

In Cross River State, Governor Bassey Otu also reiterated his administration's commitment to the welfare of military veterans, widows, and the families of fallen heroes. Speaking at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day event in Calabar, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Odey, Otu described the occasion as a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces to preserve Nigeria's unity and peace. "The lesson from this ceremony is that we remember our fallen heroes, those who paid the supreme sacrifice for this country to remain one. Many people do not fully understand the sacrifices these people made, most of them with their lives. The fact that we can sleep peacefully in this state is because of the hard work and commitment of our military officers," he remarked.

Governor Otu emphasized the state government's resolve to continue supporting members of the Armed Forces and their families, recognizing their indispensable contributions to national and state security. Addressing concerns about the welfare of widows of fallen heroes, the deputy governor assured that the Otu administration has intentionally incorporated them into various government programs and interventions.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has urged corporate organizations and private individuals to extend support to the nation's armed forces through contributions and partnerships aimed at improving their service conditions. Governor Diri paid tribute to serving, retired, and fallen soldiers for their valiant efforts in defending the country's territorial integrity, stating that the celebration should serve as a renewed call for solidarity and gratitude towards the heroes who sacrificed to protect and unite Nigeria.