Gov Mbah Extols Gallantry, Sacrifices of Nigerian Armed Force
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has lauded the bravery and sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces and veterans, emphasizing that the nation owes them eternal gratitude. Speaking during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Enugu, Mbah highlighted the pivotal role of the military in maintaining peace and security in the state.
“Our debt of gratitude to you is eternal – not just one felt for a day. For us, this debt of gratitude is not mere lip service. It is a debt we are obligated to repay, because yours have been a career of lifelong service to the nation,” Mbah declared.
The governor praised the armed forces for their dedication to ensuring the safety of the populace, often at great personal risk. He noted the significant sacrifices made by the military from colonial times to the present, which are symbolized by the numerous cenotaphs across the nation.
Reflecting on the global exploits of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Mbah acknowledged their contributions to peacekeeping missions and battlefields worldwide. “From the jungles of Burma and Congo to the arid fields of South Sudan, and the war-torn streets of Liberia and Sierra Leone, our armed forces have always been an embodiment of valour,” he said.
Mbah urged for continuous material and emotional support for the families of both veterans and serving personnel. He emphasized the human aspect of the armed forces, recognizing the profound impact on families when service members make the ultimate sacrifice.
“The widows and children of our ex-servicemen are compelling reminders of the sacrifices of our fallen heroes. Their lifetime of sacrifice and duty to the country has earned the families they left behind a right to our collective empathy,” Mbah noted.
He called for collective efforts to address the needs of the families left behind by fallen heroes, stressing that their sacrifices deserve not just empathy but tangible support. “That is what gratitude looks like. It is, as well, the greatest honour and respect we can accord our fallen heroes,” he added.
Governor Mbah reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering support for the Armed Forces. “On this very somber day of remembrance, I reaffirm my administration’s continued support to the Armed Forces – the pride of our nation, bastion of unity, and potent symbol of our sovereignty,” he pledged.
Highlighting the symbolic nature of the wreaths laid during the ceremony, Mbah insisted that these actions should translate into real support for the families of the fallen. “The wreaths we lay in honour of our fallen heroes are not mere gestures meant for TV cameras. They impose on us an obligation to offer a shoulder to their relatives who mourn, and cater to their material needs. These we shall never fail to do as a government,” he concluded.
Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Enugu State, Barr. Emeka Igweshi, echoed the governor’s sentiments, emphasizing that support for the Armed Forces should be a collective responsibility. “Support for the members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families should not be left to the government alone, but should be embraced by all,” he stressed.
The event featured a parade, laying of wreaths in honor of fallen heroes, and the release of pigeons symbolizing lasting peace. High-ranking officials and dignitaries attended the solemn occasion, underscoring its significance.
Among the notable attendees were Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly; Igwe Samuel Asadu, Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council; and other traditional rulers, including Igwe Fideli Nwatu and Igwe Greg Ugwu.
Senior military and security officials also graced the event, including Maj. Gen. Hassan Dada, outgoing General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division; Brig. Gen. Stephen Dogo, Garrison Commander; Air Vice Marshal Umar Abubakar, Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command; and Commodore A.O. Odejobi, Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Madueke. Other security chiefs included CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, Commissioner of Police, and representatives from the Department of State Services, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Correctional Service, and Federal Road Safety Commission. GMTNewsng
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