Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, fallen heroes and their families, stressing that the lessons from Nigeria’s history of division must guide the pursuit of unity, peace and security.
Mbah made the pledge on Thursday during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Wreath-Laying Ceremony held at Okpara Square, Enugu, describing January 15 as a solemn day for national reflection on the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives for the country.
The governor said the Enugu State Government would continue to partner with the Federal Government to ensure that serving personnel, veterans and the families of fallen heroes receive sustained care, respect and support.
“As a state government, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces and their families. This support goes beyond ceremony. It is reflected in practical care, advocacy and partnership with the Federal Government,” Mbah said.
He noted that Armed Forces Remembrance Day was not only about honouring the fallen, but also about standing with the families who bear the burden of their loss long after the battlefield.
“When a soldier falls, the loss does not end at the battlefield. It enters homes and becomes part of daily life for spouses, parents and children. To remember the fallen is also to care for the living,” he stated.
Mbah stressed that the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes should inspire Nigerians to uphold unity, discipline, service and respect for human life, adding that peace and security must be consciously protected.
“Our history carries the scars of division, from the Civil War of the late 1960s to later internal conflicts. At great human cost, we have learned what happens when unity fractures. Peace and safety must be protected by restraint, dialogue and shared responsibility,” the governor said.
He added that security was best sustained through prevention, cooperation and collective responsibility, rather than violence and discord.
Speaking with journalists after the ceremony, the President of the Military Widows Association of Nigeria, Enugu State chapter, Mrs Sarah Charles Ugwuabonyi, commended Governor Mbah for his concern for the welfare of military widows and their families, while appealing for more job opportunities and skills acquisition programmes to support them.
Highlights of the event included the inspection of a guard of honour by Governor Mbah, the laying of wreaths at the cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier, and the release of white pigeons to symbolise peace.
Other dignitaries who laid wreaths included the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uchenna Ugwu; the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General O. A. Fadairo; Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship Madueke, Rear Admiral N. Friday; Air Officer Commanding, Ground Training Command, Nigerian Air Force Enugu, Air Vice Marshal A. G. Kehinde; Commissioner of Police, Enugu State, CP Bitrus Giwa; Director of the State Security Service, Mr Humphrey Ohikhuare; Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Enugu State chapter, Dr Emeka Igweshi; and the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Samuel Asadu.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Victor Udeh; Chairman of ALGON in Enugu State, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh; and other top government officials.
