Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has called on Nigerians to honor fallen military personnel by ensuring that the country’s unity remains intact. He emphasized that this is the best way to appreciate the sacrifices of soldiers who lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War.
The governor made this statement on Wednesday during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed annually on January 15, honors soldiers who paid the ultimate price to protect the nation during the civil war and other conflicts.
Governor Abiodun urged citizens, particularly Ogun State residents, to strive to maintain Nigeria’s indivisibility despite the challenges facing the country. He also advised against limiting the remembrance of fallen heroes to January 15, urging Nigerians to honor their sacrifices in meaningful ways throughout the year.
“It is a day set aside to remember those who sacrificed their lives to protect our dear nation, whether in external or internal conflicts,” Abiodun said. “We must not only remember them because they paid the ultimate price; we must also think of their widows and widowers and show them love and care.
“We must not wait for a single day like this to remember them. In our little ways, every day of the year, we should acknowledge their sacrifices. We must identify with them because many of them need nothing more than to feel that we care.”
Governor Abiodun further stressed the importance of unity, stating, “We must do everything to ensure that Nigeria remains one and indivisible. That is the ultimate way to show our love and appreciation, proving that their sacrifices were not in vain.”
The event featured a parade by military personnel and a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the memories of the fallen heroes.