Armed Forces Day: Gov Alia, Deputy, others honour fallen heroes
By Bridget Tikyaa
Benue Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia on Thursday led the Deputy Governor Barr Sam Ode, members of the State Executive Council, State Assembly, top Judicial officials, traditional rulers, heads of defence and security formations and other dignitaries to honour the nation’s fallen and living heroes.
As part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, Governor Alia also laid wreaths in honour of the nation’s fallen heroes.
He was later followed by the Deputy Governor, Barr Sam Ode, Speaker of the Benue State Assembly of Assembly, Berger Alfred Emberga, the Tor-Tiv, Prof James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, the Och’Idoma, and a legioneer, Dr. John Elaigwu Odogbo, among others.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the ceremony which was held at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Square Makurdi, Governor Alia noted the contributions of men and officers of the Armed Forces towards protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.
He stressed the need for Nigeria to remain one indivisible entity as a mark of honour to members of the Armed Forces who paid the ultimate price in the defence of the peace and territorial integrity of the nation.
The Governor hailed the sacrifices of the fallen heroes and the gallantry of those in active service, and called for unconditional support for them and their families.
During the ceremony, the Governor inspected the Guard Of Honor while special prayers were offered by Christian and Muslim clerics for the Armed Forces.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the twenty one gun salute and release of pigeons to signify peace in the state.
The celebration started with a series of activities including the Jumma’at prayers at the Central Mosque and the Interdenominational Christian service on at Deeper Life Full Gospel Bible Church Highlevel in Makurdi.
The event, formerly known as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, but now known as Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day to create an avenue to also celebrate and honour serving personnel of the armed forces.
It is celebrated to recognise and appreciate the sacrifices made by citizens for the cause of peace.
In Nigeria, Jan. 15 is set aside annually to honour the fallen heroes, who laid down their lives in service to humanity during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peace missions and various internal security operations.
The event is also used to honour veterans still alive and as a medium for soliciting financial, moral and material support for the families of the fallen heroes.
Dignitaries at the event were members of the Executive Council, Members of the Benue House of Assembly, members of the Military Widows Association and the Officers Wives Association, among others.
