Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has launched the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal Fund, urging Nigerians to reflect deeply on the significance of the occasion by honouring the courage and supreme sacrifices of the nation’s fallen heroes.
The Governor launched the emblem on Thursday at the Lady Jibowu Hall, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti, marking the commencement of activities for the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of serving and retired military personnel, within available resources, through sustained collaboration with the Nigerian Legion and other relevant stakeholders to improve support systems, empowerment programmes and initiatives aimed at restoring dignity and hope to veterans.
Governor Oyebanji, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and mutual love, stressing that security is a collective responsibility. He urged citizens to support the efforts of the armed forces and other security agencies in building a peaceful and progressive society.
“As a government, we prioritize security in order to ensure a safe environment for our people. Conscious efforts have been made to strengthen security operations in Ekiti State, particularly through collaboration with other South-Western states to build a coordinated, technology-driven and community-supported security architecture under the Amotekun Corps,” he said.
The Governor added that the regional security framework is being sustained with modern technology to enhance intelligence sharing and provide adequate support for security personnel in the discharge of their duties. He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his tireless efforts to ensure a safe and stable Nigeria despite prevailing challenges.
Governor Oyebanji launched the emblem with a donation of five million naira, explaining that the appeal fund is designed to alleviate the challenges faced by veterans, widows of fallen heroes and serving personnel. He encouraged residents, corporate bodies and institutions to donate generously in support of the cause.
“I call on all citizens—public servants, corporate organisations, traditional rulers, religious bodies, schools, unions and community groups—to support this appeal wholeheartedly. Let us show our servicemen and women that their sacrifices are remembered and appreciated,” he said.
He described the emblem as a symbol of unity that transcends ethnic, religious and geographical boundaries, noting that freedom and peace come at a cost paid by the bravery of the armed forces. “Though the debt we owe our fallen heroes can never be fully repaid, we can honour them, support their families and build a nation worthy of their sacrifices,” he added.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, described the occasion as an avenue to remember, celebrate and honour military personnel who laid down their lives in defence of the nation’s sovereignty through civil wars, peacekeeping missions and other statutory duties.
Dr. Olomojobi commended Governor Oyebanji for his achievements across various sectors, particularly in providing an atmosphere of peace, security and good governance that allows citizens to honour fallen heroes meaningfully. She noted that the administration’s commitment to the welfare of serving and retired security personnel deserves special commendation.
She urged Nigerians to remember the country’s historical journey and remain resolute against all forms of insurgency, while promoting peaceful coexistence, unity and brotherly love.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion in Ekiti State, Mr. Atoki Abdurazak, expressed gratitude to God for blessing the Legion with a Governor who has consistently supported its members. He prayed for Governor Oyebanji’s continued political and spiritual upliftment, assuring him of the Legion’s unwavering support.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and the Chief Judge, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana (Rtd.), members of the State Executive Council, service chiefs, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Adu Alagbado, labour leaders and members of the Nigerian Legion, among others.