Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to building a strong and professional military capable of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and addressing the country’s internal security challenges.
The governor spoke on Thursday in Port Harcourt during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, where he praised the President for equipping the armed forces with modern weapons and motivating personnel through improved welfare packages.
“We also commend our President for equipping our armed forces with the modern weapons they need and for motivating them through significantly improved salaries and other welfare packages, which have delivered the visible successes his administration has achieved in the fight against Boko Haram and associated terrorists,” Fubara said.
He pledged that the Rivers State Government would continue to support the Federal Government, the armed forces and other security agencies in maintaining peace and stability within the state and across the country.
Reflecting on the sacrifices of Nigeria’s military, the governor noted that troops remain deployed nationwide to confront diverse security threats. He said in the North-East, soldiers are engaged in combat against Boko Haram and other Islamic insurgents, while in the North-West and North-Central, they are battling banditry and criminal abductions that have caused loss of lives, displacement and widespread hardship.
Fubara added that troops are also deployed in the South-East and other southern states, tackling region-specific security challenges such as organised pipeline vandalism and transnational crude oil theft in creeks and offshore areas.
“Many of our soldiers paid the supreme price during the First and Second World Wars, and in several peacekeeping combat operations they participated in. Nigerian families reportedly lost over a million soldiers during the needless 30-month civil war,” he said.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices of troops who have died and continue to die in places such as the Sambisa Forest and other battle zones while defending communities from terrorists and bandits.
The governor called on Nigerians to reflect on the legacy and sacrifices of the armed forces and to collectively express gratitude to fallen heroes and the families they left behind. He described the military as an embodiment of courage, duty and patriotism that has inspired generations.
“We celebrate our armed forces for their extraordinary sacrifice, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to the unity, peace, and progress of Nigeria as one indivisible nation,” Fubara said.
He noted that the peace enjoyed in many parts of the country and the freedoms citizens often take for granted are safeguarded by the blood and sacrifice of military personnel.
Fubara emphasised that the nation owes both fallen and serving heroes an enduring debt, stressing that history would judge harshly any failure to honour their bravery and preserve their legacy.
“Today is not only for us to honour our fallen heroes; it is also a time to appreciate our veterans who have retired to civilian life and the Gold Star families who bear the full weight of sacrifice,” he said.
The governor thanked veterans and families of fallen heroes from Rivers State, assuring them that his administration would never forget their service and sacrifice. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with military command structures in the state and providing logistical and welfare support to enhance operational efficiency.
Fubara also pledged continued support for members of the Nigerian Legion and their families through inclusive governance and socio-economic opportunities, stressing that honouring the armed forces must go beyond ceremonies to concrete actions that improve their welfare and quality of life.
