Governors of Bayelsa and Rivers states, Senator Douye Diri and Sim Fubara have spoken of their commitment to continually support security agencies and their operatives in the task of securing the nation, even as they hail the president, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring the welfare of retired and serving security personnel.
They said this on Thursday while marking this year’s armed forces remembrance day activities, with the traditional laying of wreaths.
The Bayelsa governor, who paid tributes to serving, retired and fallen soldiers for their gallant services in preserving the country’s territorial integrity, said the celebration should serve as a renewed act of solidarity and expression of gratitude to the heroes that made sacrifices to protect and unify Nigeria.
His words: “On this day, and every day, let us ensure we do not forget those whose sacrifices have made peace and safety attainable. We know that behind every medal lies a story of sacrifice. Families who have lost breadwinners; veterans who have had their lives altered in their prime; and many who live with wounds, visible and invisible, that demand our practical compassion as much as our respect.
“The Armed Forces are the bedrock of national security. Without them, the very fabric of our country would be torn apart.
“I am therefore grateful to Mr. President, in his capacity as Commander‑in‑Chief, and to the senior military leadership for their unremitting efforts to improve conditions of service and the welfare of our gallant soldiers.
“Let me take this opportunity to call on corporate organisations and private individuals to lend their support to our armed forces. Through your contributions and judicious partnerships, we can ensure that those who hazard so much for our safety are neither overlooked nor forgotten.”
Senator Diri assured of his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of the armed forces, which he said was evident in the recent completion and handing over of residential accommodation to the Nigerian Army 16 Brigade at Elebele.
The governor urged the army leadership to also collaborate with his administration on agriculture to boost food security and sustainable livelihoods.
“On Tuesday, I flagged off the dry farming season programme in the state. In that spirit, and following the model of the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited (NAFARL), I invite the Armed Forces leadership to partner with the Bayelsa State Government in large‑scale agricultural endeavours that will bolster food security and promote sustainable livelihoods.”
His Rivers State counterpart who performed a similar ritual praised Tinubu for his sustained commitment to building a strong, well-equipped and motivated Nigerian military capable of defending the nation’s sovereignty and confronting internal security threats.
He said the Tinubu administration’s focus on capacity-building and welfare had boosted morale within the armed forces and yielded visible gains in the fight against terrorism and other security challenges.
“We commend our President for equipping our armed forces with the modern weapons they need and for motivating them through significantly improved salaries and other welfare packages,” the governor said. “These efforts have translated into the visible successes recorded in the fight against Boko Haram and other associated terrorist groups.”
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 within the state and across the country.
Reflecting on the sacrifices of Nigerian troops, the governor noted that soldiers were deployed nationwide to confront different security challenges.
“Our armed forces are engaged in the North-East, where they are at war with Boko Haram and other Islamic insurgents and terrorists,” he said. “They have also been deployed in the North-West and North-Central to combat banditry and criminal abductions that have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property and mass displacement.”
He added that troops were equally active in the South-East and other parts of the southern region, tackling security concerns such as organised pipeline vandalism and transnational crude oil theft in the creeks and on the high seas. According to the governor, the history of the Nigerian military is marked by profound sacrifice.
“Many of our soldiers paid the supreme price during the First and Second World Wars, the civil war and several peacekeeping operations,” Fubara said. “Sadly, many more have died and continue to die in the Sambisa forests and other battle zones while protecting our people from terrorists and bandits.”
The governor urged Nigerians to reflect on the legacy of the armed forces and to collectively honour fallen heroes and their families.
“We celebrate our armed forces for their extraordinary sacrifice, loyalty and unwavering dedication to the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria,” he said. “The freedoms we enjoy today are safeguarded by their blood and sacrifice.”
Fubara stressed that the nation owed both fallen and serving personnel a lasting debt of gratitude, noting that history would judge harshly any society that failed to honour their bravery.
“Today is not only a time to honour our fallen heroes, but also to appreciate our veterans and the Gold Star families who bear the weight of sacrifice,” he said. “They deserve our heartfelt gratitude, measurable support and constant prayers.”
