Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has saluted men and officers of the Nigerian Military for their sacrifices and bravery culminating in the gradual decimation of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism in some parts of Nigeria.
In his commendation to the federal government for offering bountiful impetus to Military to defend the nation, Oyebanji hailed the appointment of Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, as the Chief of Army Staff, saying making Ekiti man occupies such a plum seat was historic and heartwarming to the citizens.
Oyebanji gave the commendation at the Inter- denominational service, marking the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, held at the Government House Chapel, in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital, on Sunday
Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, commended the military for remaining undaunted despite losing many of its officers and men to the fight against terrorists operating as Boko Haram Insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers.
Oyebanji urged Nigerians to continually lend support to soldiers fighting at the battlefields to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and the families of war veterans, who had either paid the supreme price or suffered infirmities in the course of defending the nation.
Stating that Nigerians won’t forget the exploits of the war veterans, the governor said the service was organized to remember and pray for the brave military officers and soldiers who fought in various battles to defend the unity of the country.
Addressing the congregation, the Ekiti State’s Chief Executive, said: “Many of these gallant officers paid the ultimate sacrifice by losing their lives at the battlefields, while others suffered life-altering injuries. It is, therefore, essential to reach out to the families of those who lost their lives and to those who were wounded.
“I pay tribute to our heroes, the veterans who fought so that we may live in peace. It is crucial for the government, and indeed all Nigerians, to show support and care for these veterans, as this will serve as an incentive for our military personnel and strengthen our national defense.
“While we remember our past heroes, we also take this opportunity to commend and pray for all our military personnel who are still actively engaged in defending the country against insurgents in many parts of Nigeria
“We applaud the bravery and sacrifices of these courageous soldiers, and we pray that God continues to keep them safe.I must also emphasize that this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration is particularly important to us in Ekiti State”.
Saluting President Tinubu for counting Ekiti son worthy of being appointed unto strategic position among the military top brass, Oyebanji, said: “For the first time in the history of our nation, our brother and son, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, was appointed as the Chief of Army Staff.
“As we express our gratitude to God for this significant achievement, we thank the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for choosing our brother for this esteemed position”.
Oyebanji urged public and private organizations to intensify support for the past heroes and their families, by reaching out to them, not only during this annual celebration, but throughout the year.
” Let us give these families a reason to feel proud that their husbands, fathers, and sons died for our nation. We must also provide support to the military as they work diligently to ensure our safety and security. Development is more readily achieved in a safe and secure environment”.
In his submission, the General Officer Commanding(GoC), 2 Division, Major Gen. Obinna Godwin Onubogu, lauded government at all levels for their unquantifiable supports in the fights against unscrupulous elements trying to make Nigeria unsafe.
Major Gen Onubogu, pledged continuous commitment and loyalty of the servicemen to the governments, saying they won’t relent in their efforts to restoring peace to the nation, so that Nigerians can sleep with their two eyes closed.
In his sermon, the Ekiti State Government’s House Chaplain, Pastor Segun Awolumate, who spoke copiously on the topic: “Commanded to Destroy”, charged the servicemen to bear in mind that they own a mandate to protect the interest of Nigerians by restoring peace to beleaguered areas and make the nation indivisible.
Awolumate urged the military officers to be loyal and serve diligently by rising against all forms of insurrection pummeling the nation, causing deaths, panic and creating atmosphere of unrest among the citizens.