2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Governor Otti Commends Security Agencies, Pledges Continued Support

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has praised members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their dedication to restoring and sustaining peace and stability across Nigeria, particularly in Abia State.

The Governor gave the commendation at the Major-General Aguiyi Ironsi Cenotaph in Umuahia during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony. The annual event honours Nigeria’s fallen heroes and celebrates the courage and sacrifices of serving military personnel.

Governor Otti attributed the improved security situation in Abia State to sustained collaboration between the state government and security agencies, noting that the progress recorded would not have been possible without the commitment and sacrifices of security personnel deployed across the state.

“In Abia, we are deeply grateful to members of the Armed Forces for their unwavering commitment to peace and security in our communities,” he said.

“Abia has moved from the anxiety of previous years to a new identity as one of the safest places to live in and travel to. This achievement is a direct result of the dedication of our partners in the various security establishments.”

The Governor further commended the leadership of security agencies in the state for their unyielding resolve to safeguard lives and property in both urban and rural areas.

According to him, the benefits of improved security extend beyond peace and safety, contributing significantly to economic recovery and social stability.

“The exceptional courage you display in the line of duty has improved the social and economic realities of our people and led to the reactivation of resources that were previously dormant, particularly agricultural lands,” he noted.

Governor Otti assured the Armed Forces and other security agencies of his administration’s continued support, pledging to provide all necessary assistance required to maintain law and order in the state.

He also paid tribute to fallen heroes, including foreign peacekeepers who lost their lives in active service, stressing that their sacrifices would never be forgotten. He disclosed that the Abia State Government remains committed to the welfare of families of deceased military and police personnel, providing spouses with means of livelihood and scholarships for their children up to tertiary level.

The Governor used the occasion to call on Nigerians to reject violence, extremism, and intolerance, urging citizens to embrace dialogue and mutual understanding in resolving differences. He encouraged Nigerians to learn from history and remain committed to building a nation founded on justice, freedom, and fairness as the country advances toward peace and sustainable development.

Speaking to journalists at the event, the Abia State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya, commended Governor Otti for initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of retired soldiers in the state.

However, Comrade Ogbonnaya expressed concern over what he described as the poor welfare and working conditions of serving Nigerian soldiers, despite the annual observance of Armed Forces Remembrance Day. He also lamented the neglect faced by many families of fallen heroes, calling on the Federal Government to urgently address the welfare of serving soldiers and the families they leave behind.

The 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony featured the inspection of a guard of honour by Governor Otti, prayers for fallen heroes, the laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the release of pigeons as a symbol of peace.