By Josephine Oguntoyinbo & Adedotun Ajayi

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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has assured of his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the security architecture of the State for peace and development.

This is coming as the Governor applauded the sacrifices and patriotism of the military personnel and other security agencies in the country for maintaining peace and cohesion.

Aiyedatiwa spoke on Sunday during a church service to commemorate the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the Chapel of Grace Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.

The event dedicated to honour the sacrifices of the nation’s armed forces, witnessed dignitaries, military personnel, and other citizens with prayers offered for the fallen heroes, their families, the state and the nation.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, accompanied by members of the State Executive Council and other party leaders, emphasised the profound gratitude owed to the armed forces for their dedication and sacrifice in securing the nation’s peace and stability.

He emphasized the significance of the annual celebration, aiming to rekindle interest in the affairs of families, dependant and relations of the fallen heroes who lost their lives in wars and peacekeeping operations.

The Governor recognised the sacrifices of officers and soldiers, both in wars and in the face of current security challenges, saying “the selfless service of the noble men in this great profession have, to a large extent, guaranteed our national cohesion and global peace.”

He drew attention to the heartbreaking reality of the ongoing counter-terrorism operations, resulting in the loss of promising officers, just as he highlighted the tragic circumstances, where some officers left pregnant wives, only for their babies to be born without fathers.

The governor stressed the importance of continual support for the widows and dependant of fallen heroes, urging generous contributions to the Emblem Appeal Fund.

He reiterated the administration’s commitment to the socioeconomic well-being of the state’s residents, saying

“we need your continual cooperation and support to be successful in this onerous task.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa who equally paid glowing tributes to the former Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu whom he described as a courageous and fearless leader,  also applauded his dedication to the security of the State, portraying late Akeredolu as a soldier in civilian clothing.

Earlier in his sermon, entitled, “Supernatural strength”, the State Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Bishop Joshua  Opayinka emphasised the need to depend on the supernatural strength of God which he said is beyond the natural strength to win every battle.

Quoting from the Bible, Philippians chapter 4 verse 8 to 13, Psalm 71 among others, the Bishop noted what it entails to have supernatural strength to include deep insight, deep wisdom, deep understanding and holy spirit.

The Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade Akure, Major General, M Adamu who spoke at the event said as the nation marked the event, people should be conscious and continue to pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation.

In an interview shortly after the Service, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Mrs Julianah Osadahun eulogised the forces who served and are still serving in various peace support operations worldwide, assuring that the government will continue to support dependant of the fallen heroes.

Also speaking, the State Chairman, Nigeria legions, Col. Olu Apata (RTD) called on government at all levels not to relent in supporting members in terms of welfare.

Earlier on Friday, there was a Juma’at Service held at the Akure Central Mosque to commemorate the day.