Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has used the occasion of the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day to call on Nigerians to look beyond many shortcomings of the Nation and embrace unity and the ideals the compatriots lived and died for.

Governor Otti made the call on Thursday, January 15th, during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held at the Aguiyi Ironsi Cenotaph, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia.

The Abia State Governor said that Nigerians cannot build a great nation except by making deliberate effort to inspire the change that the citizenry seeks along different front lines of the National existence.

“The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day invites all of us to look beyond the many shortcomings of our Nation, but to rise instead in unison to rededicate ourselves to the ideals for which our compatriots lived and died.

“We cannot build a great Nation by endlessly winning but by doing everything within our powers as citizens and leaders in different fields of human aspiration to inspire the change that we seek, along different front lines of national existence.

“While the virtues of chivalry and honour, temperance, and fortitude are traditionally, a part of military endeavours, it is also true that these values can be adopted by everyday people seeking to live with honour in devotion to community.

“We are therefore encouraged to learn to be as courageous as our compatriots who have chosen the path of military service and to live by the principles that support character building, provides ethical compass in decision-making, and confers legitimacy on institutions” Gov. Otti stated.

Governor Otti said that the Nigerian Armed Forces best represents the practical ideals of the Nigeria’s dream, describing the armed forces as, one institution that has not only played a major role in keeping Nigeria together, but has evolved from the learning of its early days into a stable force, “driving the preservation of our democratic structures in addition to its foundational responsibility of protecting the territorial integrity of our nation”

He noted that, “Our healing from the wounds of the past may not have been completed, but there is no dispute that in the intervening years since 1970, we have made slow but steady progress in the efforts to redefine the true essence of Nigeria”.

The Governor said that the ceremony presents to government the privilege to honour the memories of family members, friends, and colleagues who have made the ultimate sacrifice and then celebrate those whose courage and sacrifices keep the fabrics of the sovereignty of Nigeria undivided.

The State Chief Executive commended the leadership of the different security agencies in the State, for their unyielding resolve to the safety of lives and property in the urban and rural centres of the State and assured that his government would continue to provide necessary support they would require as they discharge their duties.

The Governor attributed the successes recorded in the security sector in the State to the exceptional courage the security men bring in the discharge of their duties.

“In Abia, we are grateful to members of the Armed Forces for their enduring commitment to peace and security in our communities.

“Abia has moved quickly from the anxiety of the last few years to assume a new identity as one of the safest destinations to live and travel to.

“This could not have happened, without the commitment of our partners in the various security establishments” Gov. Otti stated.

Governor Otti, who paid tributes to all fallen heroes and members of the armed forces who are still in active duty, paid particular respect to some soldiers and and police men who lost their lives while in active duty in Abua State last year.

Gov. Otti appreciated their faithful devotion, and assured that his government would continue to take care of their families including sustaining the scholarship offered to their children up to tertiary education level.

“We have since made a commitment to provide for the welfare of the spouses and children of the deceased personnel, offering channels of sustenance to the adults, and then scholarships for the children to continue their education up to tertiary level” Gov. Otti noted.

“I would like to also add that it’s not only the fallen heroes in the military, but also the police, and those of them that we have lost within the period, we have supported the families and put the children on scholarship up to tertiary level.

The event featured laying of wreaths on the tomb of an unknown soldier and release of pigeons signifying peace by the Governor and selected officials as well as the release of gun salutes.

The Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, the Speaker Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, representative of the Chief Judge of Abia State, acting Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Commissioners, service commanders, Chairman Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, clergymen, members of the Nigerian Legion, Abia State among others were present during the ceremony.

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
January 15th, 2026.