Okpebholo Seeks More Support For Armed Forces

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has urged Nigerians and governments at all levels to give stronger support to the Nigerian Armed Forces in view of the sacrifices they continue to make to keep the country united.

Naija News reports that the governor made the call on Thursday during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony held at the Museum Ground, Oba Ovonramwen Square, Benin City.

The annual event was organised to remember soldiers who lost their lives while serving the nation.

Okpebholo said the day was set aside to honour fallen heroes who gave their lives for the survival and oneness of Nigeria.

He said that their sacrifices should never be forgotten and prayed for the families they left behind to find strength in their time of loss.

The former lawmaker added that the nation must continue to respect and remember both the living and the dead who have served with dedication.

The governor also charged officers still in active service to remain committed and give their best in the defence of the country.

He expressed hope that Nigeria would continue to stand strong and value the efforts of those who risk their lives daily to protect it.

At the event, the Edo State Coordinator of the Military Widows Association, Umar Sheriffat, appealed for continued government support for widows of fallen soldiers.

She said many of the women were left with children to care for after their husbands died in service to the country and needed assistance to survive and raise their families.

She called on authorities to formally recognise the widows and provide empowerment programmes that would help them become self-reliant and meet their responsibilities at home.

Also speaking, a retired Nigerian Army officer, Major Joe Koma, asked the government to improve welfare for retired military personnel. He said better care for retirees would serve as encouragement to officers still in active service.

Koma said that while pensions were being paid, there was a need for improvement in the benefits given to retired soldiers in view of the risks they took while serving the nation.

The ceremony ended with prayers and tributes in honour of soldiers who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.