11th January, 2025
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has charged Nigerians to be united and remain steadfast in their commitment to national peace and progress.
He spoke when the state honoured the nation’s fallen heroes on Friday with a special Jumat service held at the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja.
The event marked the beginning of the week-long programme commemorating the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Sanwo-Olu conveyed the government’s appreciation to the nation’s military personnel who sacrificed their lives to preserve Nigeria’s unity.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode noted that the remembrance activities are a solemn reminder of the courage and dedication of the nation’s armed forces.
“This special prayer heralds the week-long programme of our Annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, celebrated nationwide to honour the men and women who laid down their lives to keep Nigeria united,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He disclosed that he had recently donated ₦75 million and vehicles to the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Legion to support widows, widowers, and families of fallen heroes.
“On the part of the government, we have continued to support the families of our heroes through the Nigeria Legion, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance,” he added.
“The death of our military personnel is a lesson for us all to strive for a united Nigeria, so the sacrifices of our heroes will not be in vain,” he said.
The commemoration activities will continue on Sunday with an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the Chapel of Christ the Light and culminate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square, on Wednesday, January 15.
Sanwo-Olu and his deputy are expected to attend the ceremony to pay tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes.
The governor called for prayers for Nigeria’s leadership and resilience. “We have survived many challenges as a nation, and with continued prayers and perseverance, Nigeria will achieve greater heights,” he assured.
The event was attended by state officials, service commanders, religious leaders, and representatives of various paramilitary groups, all united in prayer for the country’s peace and the wellbeing of families left behind by the nation’s fallen heroes.