Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has launched the emblem appeal fund for the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, lauding the armed forces for their resilience, dedication, and sacrifices towards ensuring the security and stability of the nation.

Governor Oyebanji, who carried out the launch at the Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, on Thursday, remarked that Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by the nation’s gallant servicemen and women, who have stood as the defensive wall of national unity. It is also a moment to honour the veterans who continue to inspire the nation through their dedication and resilience.

While explaining the significance of launching the appeal fund, the Governor reiterated the state’s commitment to building a society where peace, security, and unity prevail. He urged all residents to generously support the activities of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Governor Oyebanji emphasised the need for all residents to prioritise security matters in order to create a safer environment for everyone, adding that it is the collective responsibility of all to ensure the country’s freedom and greatness, so that the sacrifices of the nation’s gallant heroes, both past and present, are not in vain.

The Governor made a donation of N10 million on behalf of the state, as well as a personal donation of N5 million, and stressed that his administration has a zero-tolerance policy towards insecurity. He vowed that no stone would be left unturned in his commitment to ensuring the security of lives and property in the state.

He stated, “Steady efforts will be made to protect the atmosphere where every citizen will be secured. It is expected that citizens, in return, will assist the government in the areas of information and vigilance, as most security issues could be easily tackled with the cooperation of all.”

“The reality of the human experience is that there is hardly any part of the world where absolute peace exists, despite our best efforts as human communities, but for the men and women in the armed forces, the world would be inhabitable—short and brutish. We are therefore always grateful to them.”

“The irony of life is that these great men and women, who have decided to protect the rest of us, often do so at the cost of their lives in their thirties. Evidence suggests that a greater percentage of those who escape death but sustain permanent disabilities may be living from hand to mouth, neglected by the society they tried to protect, unable to sustain their health, as ageing sets in.”

“In nation-building, all of us give something to the people of our country, but there are men who give everything, and these men are part of the Nigerian Armed Forces. That is why it is imperative that we remember their sacrifices.”

“Let us take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where peace, security, and unity prevail—a society worthy of the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces. It is in this light that I wish to re-emphasise the need for us to work together as a nation, united beyond our differences of tribes, tongues, and religions, to build a sense of nationalism, loyalty, and brotherhood. There is no better symbol of this brotherhood than the Nigerian Armed Forces.”

In her remarks, the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, pledged the continued support of the public servants for the Nigerian Legion and lauded their supreme sacrifice towards the development and security of Nigeria.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Legion in Ekiti State, Mr. Atoki Abdurazak, thanked God for providing their members with a Governor like Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, who has shown passion and empathy towards them by offering them a platform to thrive in the state.

Also in attendance were the Acting Chief Judge, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana (Rtd.), members of the state executive council, service chiefs, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, represented by the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeniyi Ajakaye, and labour leaders, among others.