The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has paid glowing tribute to the courageous men and officers of the Nigerian Military, commending their extraordinary sacrifices and bravery, which have led to the gradual defeat of those responsible for terrorizing parts of the nation.
Lauding the federal government for providing substantial support to bolster the military’s efforts, Oyebanji also celebrated the historic appointment of Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff.
Speaking during an interdenominational service to mark the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Government House Chapel, Ado Ekiti, on the 12th of January, 2025, the Governor, represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, praised the military for their unwavering resolve despite the significant losses they have endured in combating Boko Haram insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and cattle rustlers.
He urged Nigerians to continually stand behind soldiers fighting to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity and support the families of war veterans who have either made the ultimate sacrifice or sustained injuries while defending the nation.
Reaffirming the state’s commitment to honoring their valor, the Governor stated: “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.”
Highlighting the appointment of an Ekiti indigene to a strategic military position, Oyebanji declared: “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.”
The Governor called on both public and private organizations to go beyond annual celebrations by extending consistent support to the families of fallen heroes and wounded soldiers.
“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.”
Major Gen. Obinna Godwin Onubogu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, expressed gratitude to governments at all levels for their invaluable support in combating threats to national security.
He pledged the unwavering commitment of the military to restoring peace across the nation.
In his sermon titled “Commanded to Destroy,” Pastor Segun Awolumate, the Government House Chaplain, exhorted servicemen to remain steadfast in their duty to protect Nigerians, urging them to rise against all forms of insurrection threatening the unity and peace of the nation.