The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has praised the patriotism of the men and officers of the Nigerian Army, saying their sense of commitment to national duties saved Nigeria from drifting into anarchy and protecting the country’s territorial integrity.
The governor posited that it was in recognition of this onerous duty that Ekiti state government under his watch donated a whopping sum of N10 million to support the war veterans, besides the personal donation he made for the upkeep of those who fought to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Oyebanji spoke in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday, during a programme commemorating the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the palatial Ekitiparapo Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.
The event featured laying of wreaths, which was performed by the Governor, Speaker of the Ekiti Assembly, Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, representative of the 32 Artillery Brigade Commander, Major Gen Imam Babakura, Police Commissioner, Mr. Joseph Eribo, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe and other high profile dignitaries.
Addressing the war veterans and soldiers, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said Nigeria could have been plunged into ebullition, through horrendous activities of insurgents, bandits and kidnappers, but for the efficiency of the Nigerian Military, who deployed their strength to avert such sordid scenario.
Oyebanji thanked the military profoundly for partnering with other security networks to make Ekiti safe for habitation and investments, assuring that his administration shall work hard to cement the bond of unity among the security outfits in the state.
He commended those who lost their lives in the course of fighting for the nation and those who are still at the battlefields to restore normalcy to all the beleaguered areas.
In an extreme exhibition of empathy, Oyebanji urged Nigerians to pay huge respect and lend support to the families of those in these categories in the spirit of brotherhood and patriotism.
“Let me seize this opportunity to specially commend the immense contributions of the military in Ekiti State to the relative peace we enjoy in Ekiti State. Without your efforts, the society could have been in a state of anarchy.
“Your sleeplessness, restlessness and commitment are the reasons we can all go about our daily businesses with the conviction of coming back unhurt.
“I am committed to supporting the Legions as exemplified by my personal donation at the emblem launch and I am aware that the state government equally donated a sum of N10m for their support.
“This is an expression of my appreciation to the military personnel and the legionnaires on this important event. I can assure you that we will continue to do everything to make life more comfortable for you”.
Reflecting on the state of the nation, Oyebanji appealed to the citizens to unite and confront the insecurity pummeling the nation and constituting serious malaise to the socio economic growth of Nigeria.
“As we reflect on the sacrificial patriotism displayed by the fallen heroes, we must acknowledge the continuing challenge of insecurity that still confronts us as a nation. As a season like this calls for unity , cooperation and solidarity.
“We must tolerate one another to build a great nation where peace and justice reign”.
Oyebanji assured that he would ramp up efforts to make lives more abundant for the servicemen, war veterans and other Ekiti residents, by scaling up performance in the areas of road infrastructures, human capital development, security, job creation, food security and good governance.