- Governor Ahmed Ododo laid wreaths at Lokoja's Cenotaph during Armed Forces Remembrance Day, honouring Nigeria's military sacrifices for peace and unity
- Widows and children of fallen heroes are now included in Kogi State’s Health Insurance Scheme, guaranteeing free access to healthcare services
- Governor Ododo called for national unity and praised President Tinubu’s focus on security, pledging ongoing support for veterans and injured officers.
Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the families of fallen heroes while celebrating their bravery and patriotism in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Speaking during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony on Wednesday, January 15, Governor Ododo laid wreaths at the World War I and II Cenotaph in Lokoja, paying tribute to the sacrifices of Nigeria's armed forces.
He described the event as a solemn occasion to honour the contributions of the military to nation-building and peacekeeping.
“As we honour our gallant men who protected Nigeria’s sovereignty and gave their lives so that we can enjoy peace, we remember them and pray that Almighty Allah forgives their shortcomings,” he said.
Governor Ododo announced the immediate inclusion of widows and children of fallen heroes in the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme, ensuring access to free healthcare.
He also pledged continuous support for injured officers and veterans who served the nation with distinction.
The governor underscored the need for national unity and called on citizens to consolidate the peace achieved under the current administration.
“We celebrate them for what they stood for – peace, unity, and hope,” he added.
Governor Ododo praised President Bola Tinubu’s focus on peace and security, highlighting it as a cornerstone of the administration’s renewed hope agenda.
The ceremony featured the traditional wreath-laying event, with military commanders, traditional rulers, and representatives of army veterans joining the governor to honour the fallen heroes.
The occasion paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in various conflicts, including World Wars I and II, the Nigerian Civil War, and international peacekeeping missions.
Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s resolve to create a nation that reflects the ideals of the fallen heroes, urging collective efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Veteran raises concerns over retiree welfare, unpaid war bonus
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that a 76-year-old military veteran, Colonel Nasiru Salami (retd.), voiced concerns about the mistreatment of retired Nigerian Army personnel, including unpaid pensions and war bonuses.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief programme during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Salami revealed that, despite promises made upon his retirement in 1983, he and fellow veterans have yet to receive their long-awaited war bonuses.
