NIGERIA, CALABAR – Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of military veterans, widows, and families of fallen heroes during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day held in Calabar.
The ceremony, which took place on Thursday at the Eleven Eleven Millennium Park remembrance arcade, brought together serving officers, retired personnel, widows, government officials, and other stakeholders to honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes.
Governor Otu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Peter Odey, described the annual remembrance as a solemn moment that underscores the sacrifices of men and women who defended Nigeria’s unity and territorial integrity.
According to the deputy governor, the event serves as a reminder that the peace enjoyed by citizens across Cross River State is directly linked to the dedication and sacrifices of military personnel.
“The lesson from this ceremony is that we remember our fallen heroes, those who paid the supreme sacrifice for this country to remain one,” Dr. Odey said during his address.
He noted that many citizens often underestimate the extent of sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces, stressing that several officers lost their lives to secure national peace.
Dr. Odey added that the ability of residents to sleep peacefully within the state is a direct outcome of the hard work, vigilance, and commitment of military officers deployed across Nigeria.
He stated that the Otu administration remains resolute in supporting the Armed Forces and their families, recognizing their invaluable contributions to both national and state security.
The deputy governor further assured that the welfare of veterans, widows, and dependants of fallen heroes remains a priority within the administration’s broader social intervention and security support programmes.
Responding to concerns about the wellbeing of widows of fallen heroes, Dr. Odey disclosed that the state government has deliberately mainstreamed them into various empowerment and welfare initiatives.
“All the widows are being carried along in our programmes. Even before this event, we had met with them,” the deputy governor said.
He explained that the Commissioner for Social Welfare has been mandated to ensure that widows and dependants are included in all relevant government interventions without discrimination.
Dr. Odey stressed that the administration views the care of widows and families of fallen officers as a moral obligation, not a privilege, given the price paid by their loved ones.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Cross River State Command, Comrade Daniel Ojugbo, described the ceremony as both an honour and a moment of reflection.
Ojugbo said the annual remembrance offers an opportunity to highlight the persistent challenges confronting veterans and their families across the state and the country.
According to him, delayed welfare benefits, inadequate medical care for aged and bedridden veterans, and limited access to social services remain pressing concerns.
He also drew attention to the plight of widows and orphans of fallen heroes, many of whom, he said, remain unemployed despite completing tertiary education.
“These challenges continue to affect the morale and wellbeing of veterans and their families, and they deserve urgent and sustained attention,” Ojugbo stated.
Despite these challenges, the Legion chairman commended Governor Otu for what he described as a supportive and empathetic disposition towards ex-servicemen.
He noted that the current administration has demonstrated genuine concern for the Nigerian Legion and its members through engagement and welfare-oriented policies.
“With the look of things, the government is trying for us, and we appreciate the support we have received so far,” Ojugbo said.
He urged the state government to sustain the momentum and deepen collaboration with the Legion to address long-standing welfare gaps.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of Military Widows in Cross River State, Mrs. Miriam Orok, expressed gratitude to the Otu administration for improved inclusion and recognition.
Mrs. Orok said the experiences of military widows under the current administration marked a significant departure from previous years.
“Since the coming of Governor Bassey Otu, things are different, things are really different,” she said.
According to her, the governor has consistently carried widows along in state programmes, creating a renewed sense of belonging and dignity.
She also appreciated the First Lady of Cross River State for her compassion and outreach to military widows during festive periods.
Most Viewed Posts
- BREAKING: Rivers Assembly Crisis Deepens as Two More Lawmakers Withdraw From Fubara’s Impeachment
- Family Speaks, Says N50 Million Was Paid To Free Kidnapped Medical Doctor In Edo
- SOS: Mother Of Kidnapped Medical Doctor Appeals For Help To Raise N100m Ransom, Says Delay Could Be Dangerous
- BREAKING: Nigerians to Pay 7.5% VAT on Mobile Transfers, USSD Transactions Starting January 19, 2026
- Revealed: Why Gov Okpebholo Sacked Edo Line MD
Mrs. Orok recalled that during the last Christmas season, widows were honoured with food items and gifts to support their families.
“Even last December, the wife of the governor honoured us and gave us many goodies to share with our children,” she added.
She prayed for divine guidance and strength for the governor and his wife as they continue to lead the state. The 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day featured prayers, wreath-laying ceremonies, and tributes in honour of fallen heroes.
The activities were conducted in line with national protocols, reinforcing the significance of collective remembrance and national unity.
Meanwhile, a separate statement by Honourable James Anam the Executive Chairman of Calabar Municipality LGA, highlighted the involvement of local government leadership in the remembrance activities.
Anam disclosed that he laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Millennium Park, Calabar, in honour of Nigeria’s fallen heroes.
He described the occasion as a moment to reflect on Nigeria’s independence, sacrifices of the Armed Forces, and the nation’s developmental journey. The event also featured a parade inspection, symbolizing discipline, patriotism, and respect for military traditions.
According to Anam, local governments have a responsibility to contribute to nation-building by strengthening governance from the grassroots.
“As a local government, we reaffirmed our commitment to building a better Nigeria from the grassroots up,” he said.
In another development, Anam announced the presentation of a brand new Lexus 350 SUV to the Secretary of the Council.
He explained that the vehicle was provided to enhance official duties, improve coordination, and promote efficient service delivery within the municipality.
The gesture, according to him, aligns with efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and service delivery at the local government level.
Observers say the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Cross River State reflected renewed attention to veterans’ welfare and inclusive governance.
Truth live news correspondents in Calabar report that stakeholders, however, maintain that sustained policy action, timely benefits, and comprehensive support systems are necessary to match public commitments.
As Nigeria continues to confront security challenges, speakers at the event stressed that caring for those who served remains critical to national stability.
The Calabar ceremony concluded with a call for unity, remembrance, and continuous support for the Armed Forces and their families across all levels of government.
