…alls for national unity, support for veterans

By Idowu Adebomi, Ado-Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has flagged off the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal Fund, urging Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect deeply on the bravery and supreme sacrifices of fallen heroes who laid down their lives for the nation’s peace and unity.

The governor launched the emblem on Thursday at the Lady Jibowu Hall, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti, marking the commencement of activities for the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of both serving and retired military personnel through sustained collaboration with the Nigerian Legion and other relevant stakeholders.

Oyebanji, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, stressed that the government would continue to improve support systems, empowerment opportunities and programmes aimed at restoring dignity and hope to veterans, within the limits of available resources.

He called on Nigerians to embrace peace, promote love and harmony, and reject violence, noting that securing society is a collective responsibility that requires cooperation with security agencies, including the armed forces and other personnel.

“As a government, prioritising security remains our duty in order to make society safe for all. Significant efforts have been made to strengthen security operations in Ekiti State, particularly through collaboration with other South-West states to build a coordinated, technology-driven and community-supported security architecture under the Amotekun Corps,” he said.

The governor added that the regional security initiative was designed to secure the entire South-West and sustain peace through modern technology that supports and enhances the operations of security personnel.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his relentless efforts, despite daunting challenges, to ensure a safe and stable Nigeria.

Governor Oyebanji launched the emblem with a donation of ₦5 million and explained that the appeal was aimed at raising funds to ease the hardships faced by veterans, widows of fallen heroes and serving troops. He urged individuals and organisations to contribute generously to the fund.

“I call on public servants, corporate bodies, traditional rulers, religious institutions, schools, unions and community groups to actively support this appeal. Let us give generously and show our servicemen and women that their sacrifices are not forgotten,” he said.

Describing the emblem as a symbol of unity, the governor noted that it transcends tribe, religion and geography, while serving as a reminder that freedom and peace come at great cost. He added that although the nation can never fully repay the debt owed to fallen heroes, it can honour them by supporting their families and standing by veterans.

Earlier, the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, described the event as an opportunity to remember, celebrate and honour the patriotic service of military personnel who defended Nigeria’s sovereignty through civil wars, peacekeeping missions and other statutory duties.

She commended Governor Oyebanji for his strides across various sectors, particularly in providing an atmosphere of peace, security and good governance, and praised his administration’s commitment to the welfare of serving and retired military personnel as well as other security agencies.

Dr Olomojobi urged citizens to reflect on Nigeria’s history, resist all forms of insurgency and remain committed to peaceful coexistence, unity and the overall growth of the state and the nation.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion in Ekiti State, Mr Atoki Abdurazak, expressed gratitude to God for blessing the state with Governor Oyebanji, whom he described as a steadfast supporter of the Legion.

He assured the governor of the unwavering loyalty and support of Legion members.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Speaker of the House of Assembly and the Chief Judge, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd), members of the State Executive Council, service chiefs, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Adu Alagbado, labour leaders and members of the Nigerian Legion, among others.