ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY: SANWO-OLU CALLS FOR SUPPORT FOR WIDOWS OF FALLEN HEROES

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has called on Nigerians to always support widows of the nation’s fallen heroes, charging the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to also ensure that the widows are incorporated in their numerous empowerment programmes.

The Governor gave the charge on Friday after a dedicated Jumaat Service held in commemoration of the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day at the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the service by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said supporting the widows of fallen heroes in any form is a meaningful way of appreciating the supreme sacrifice made by officers who laid down their lives in the defense of the nation.

According to him, “the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day provides an opportunity to pray for the souls of fallen heroes, for the safety of those currently serving in various military operations across the country, and for the well-being of their families.”

While highlighting the commitment of the State Government to the welfare of military families, Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the state maintains regular engagements with widows of fallen heroes, adding that the government has embarked on the renovation of military barracks and other initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions and overall welfare of military personnel and their families.

Speaking further, the Governor decried the tendency to associate terrorism with religion, particularly Islam, stressing that many Muslims are law-abiding citizens who contribute positively to society and the growth of the nation. He urged Muslim leaders and faithful to consistently project positive narratives and values.

He noted that while terrorist activities often receive widespread attention, the sacrifices and successes of the military in combating these threats are sometimes underreported, calling for greater recognition of their efforts.

As part of long-term solutions to the nation’s challenges, the Governor charged parents to pay closer attention to the upbringing and moral training of their children. He emphasised the importance of raising children with strong moral and godly values, noting that the family remains the foundational unit of society.

He concluded by stressing that proper home training plays a critical role in shaping responsible citizens and ultimately determines the kind of society and nation Nigeria becomes.

In his goodwill message, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, represented by Brigadier General I. B. Sheriff, urged Nigerians to continue praying for and cooperating with the Armed Forces as they carry out their mandate of protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.

According to him, “Today’s Jumu’ah prayer marks the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026. The essence of this occasion is to honour our Armed Forces, pray for our fallen heroes, and remember all serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces. As we are all aware, Nigeria is faced with numerous security challenges across the geopolitical zones, and it is the Armed Forces who stand on the front lines to protect us. This sacrifice is the reason we are able to sleep peacefully in our homes.”

He therefore expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government and residents for their continued support of the Armed Forces in the state, while urging them to sustain their prayers and cooperation with security personnel as they remain committed to safeguarding lives and property across Lagos State.

Earlier in his admonition, the Chief Imam of Lagos Secretariat Community Mosques, Dr. Saheed Ahmad, stated that the security of the country is a collective one that rests on every citizen, emphasising that addressing communal security challenges is not limited to men and women in uniform, but is the duty of all.

The Imam noted that, “Indeed, if each and every one of us takes it upon ourselves to act, speak, behave, and interact with our fellow countrymen in a safe and responsible manner, each such individual becomes one less problem for the security agencies to worry about. For every God-fearing and law-abiding citizen, there is one less potential criminal for the police to contend with. Likewise, for every responsible citizen who carries out their work, faith, and other endeavours in a safe and secure manner, there is one less area of concern for authorities in protecting lives and property.”

According to him, when citizens cultivate a sound inner life guided by the fear of God, self-control, and respect for human life, it reflects in their actions within society, explaining that a peaceful and secure nation can only be built when individuals first achieve peace within themselves, as inner values ultimately shape outward conduct and collective harmony.