Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and veterans for their bravery and sacrifices, stating that the nation owes them a debt of gratitude.
Speaking at the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony, on Wednesday, Mbah acknowledged the crucial role of the Armed Forces in maintaining peace and security in Enugu State.
He praised their lifelong dedication to serving the nation, often at the risk of their own lives.
Mbah also recognised the impressive record of the Nigerian Armed Forces in international peacekeeping missions and battlefields, earning them global respect and admiration.
He specifically highlighted their valorous efforts in countries such as Burma, Congo, South Sudan, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
“The brave men and women of our armed forces have literally led the charge, ready and willing to deploy, as evident from their participation in numerous United Nations Missions across the world,” he said.
Mbah called for both material and emotional support to both the families of the veterans and serving personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“Our Armed Forces consist of men and women of steel. But they are humans, after all, and sometimes pay the ultimate price. When such tragedy occurs, they leave behind families for whom the pain of loss is often most severe. We owe them our love and care – in words and in deed.
“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.
“Their sacrifice for you and me – for the entire country – impels us to not just wipe off their tears, but to ensure that whatever lack their absence had created for their families is substantially filled. That is what gratitude looks like. It is, as well, the greatest honour and respect we can accord our fallen heroes.
“No less deserving of our love, respect and support are members still in active service, and those in retirement.
“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. Our support is, of course, complementary to the immense efforts of the Federal Government.
“So, 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,” Mbah concluded.
Speaking, Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Enugu State, Mr Emeka Igweshi, stressed that support for the members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families should not be left to the government alone, but should be embarrassed by all.
Highpoints of the event were parade, laying of wreaths to honour the nation’s fallen heroes and release of pigeons to signal lasting peace.
Meanwhile, the event was attended by senior government officials, senior members of the Armed Forces, and other dignitaries, including the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu; Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu, Igwe Fideli Nwatu and Igwe Greg Ugwu.
Members of the Armed Forces, security and related agencies were led by the outgoing General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Maj. Gen. Hassan Dada.
