The 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day activities in Delta State came to a solemn close on Thursday with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph in Asaba, as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and top military and security officials paid tribute to Nigeria’s fallen heroes.
The ceremony, held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, drew an array of dignitaries including Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Chief Judge of the state, Justice Tessy Diai; Service Commanders of the Armed Forces; and the Commissioner of Police.
Also present were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu; Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and Orodje of Okpe, HRM Maj-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.); members of the Nigerian Legion and other senior government officials.
Governor Oborevwori, who served as Special Guest of Honour, was received with full military honours and inspected a guard of honour mounted by officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigerian Legion.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori described the Armed Forces Remembrance Day as “a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by gallant men and women who paid the ultimate price for the unity and sovereignty of our nation.”
“We must never forget those who laid down their lives so that Nigeria may remain one,” the Governor said. “Their courage and patriotism continue to inspire us to work for peace, security, and development.”
A minute of silence was observed in honour of the fallen heroes, followed by interfaith prayers offered by Christian and Muslim clerics for the repose of their souls, the welfare of wounded veterans, and peace and stability in the country.
The Governor thereafter led Service Commanders, the Commissioner of Police, representatives of traditional rulers, legionnaires, and top government functionaries in laying wreaths at the ceremonial tomb.
Speaking on behalf of the Armed Forces, one of the Service Commanders noted that the occasion was not only to remember the dead but also to recommit to the defence of the nation. “The sacrifices of our fallen colleagues strengthen our resolve to continue safeguarding the peace and territorial integrity of Nigeria,” he said.
The ceremony climaxed with the firing of volleys and the symbolic release of white pigeons by Governor Oborevwori, representing peace, hope, and renewal.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed annually to honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes, wounded soldiers, and serving personnel, while reminding citizens of the cost of freedom and the collective responsibility to uphold unity and patriotism.
It will be recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on December 2, 2025, launched the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal Fund in honour of fallen heroes, wounded veterans, and troops currently serving on the frontlines across the country.
