Nation
Armed Forces Day: Otti pays special tribute to soldiers killed by gunmen in Abia

Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti has used the occasion of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held at the Aguiyi-Ironsi cenotaph, Ogurube layout, Umuahia, to honour the memories and sacrifices of those brave servicemen who died in active duty in different parts of the State in the last one year.
They are Staff Sergeant Charles Ugochukwu, Sergeant Bala Abraham, Corporal Ugwu Gideon, Corporal Ikpeama Ikechukwu, Lance Corporal Augustine Emmanuel, and Lance Corporal Owolabi Ojo.
Also remembered with great affection and respect are: Sergeant Ojo Godwin, Corporal Aliu Sunday, and Lance Corporal Akhider Sunday.
In his speech to mark the occasion titled: “HONOUR, COURAGE AND PATRIOTISM”, Governor Otti declared: “I am happy to announce that we have since fulfilled our pledge to support the families of the servicemen and other security personnel who lost their lives in active service in the State in 2024.”
The governor made it clear that financial support has been extended to the spouses of the fallen heroes.
“We have also taken over the sponsorship of the education of their children up to university level. My promise is that we shall not leave anyone behind and whatever happens in the course of your assignment here in Abia, you are guaranteed the generous support of the State Government,” Otti said.
“As a state, we shall continue to work very closely and cordially with the various arms of the military and other security agencies to make Abia a safe destination for individuals, families and businesses. The good news is that our cause is a righteous one and ,whatever be the strength and motivation of the enemy, we shall win this raging battle against insecurity and similar threats to the sovereignty, peace and stability of our nation.
“The officers and men of the Nigerian military establishment, on their part, are encouraged to model the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behaviour in the discharge of their duties, appreciating that we are a nation governed by laws and respect for the rights of citizens.”
Dr. Otti stressed the need for Nigerians to evolve a new set of national value that promotes justice at the foundation of the national unity.
He urged all to reject corruption and all forms of abuse of public trust and ensure promotion of justice and fairness in all spheres of life and emphasised the need to cater for the members of the Nigerian armed forces.
“To all of us, the more important take- away from today’s celebration is the need to evolve a new set of national value that promotes justice at the foundation of our national unity, reject corruption and all forms of abuse of public trust and ultimately enthrone meritocracy, fairness and an enduring sense of patriotism in the execution of our duties as stakeholders in the national renaissance project,” he said.
“Every Nigerian, especially those who have answered the patriotic call of defending our land against all forms of threats should get what is due them when it is due, for that is the only way of strengthening the nation”.
However, Governor Otti insisted that Nigerian people equally have a responsibility of supporting the military and other members of the Nigerian armed forces and encouraged all to seek a resolution of disputes with wisdom instead of deploying violence which puts lives of innocent men and women in danger.
“We have a sacred responsibility to build a better national community by bringing our grievances to the table for solution. Violence can neither yield nor guarantee the actualization of satisfactory outcomes.
“We are therefore, encouraged to seek resolution to disputes with wisdom and a general sense of brotherhood instead of resorting to violence which puts the lives of innocent men and women in grave danger.
“As citizens , it is our job to support these men and women who make uncommon sacrifices to guarantee the security and peace of our nation.
“We are to lift their morale by words of encouragement and willingness to cooperate with them when called upon especially in the tracking and identification of criminal activities in our communities,” Gov. Otti stressed.
He enjoined the officers and men of the Nigerian military establishments to model the highest conduct of professionalism and ethical behaviour in the discharge of their duties, saying that they should appreciate the fact that Nigeria is a nation governed by laws and respect for the rights of citizens.
On the other hand, Governor Otti cautioned that it would not be acceptable for the members of the armed forces to engage in acts that undermine the ethos of the military practice and assured that his government would continue to work closely with them and cater for their welfare.
“It will never be acceptable for our service men and women to engage in acts and practices that undermine the ethos of the military profession or damage the reputation of the institution they represent”, Otti warned.
He appreciated the various security agencies working in the state for their efforts in making the state safe and expressed the joy that the collaboration with them has continued to improve on the security of the State.
BusinessHallmark reports that the events that marked the day included laying of wreaths on the tomb of the unknown soldier by Governor Otti, Commander 14 Brigade, Brigadier O.O. Diya; Commandant Nigeria Naval College Owerrinta, O.A. Eyitayo; Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa; Chairman Nigerian Legion Abia State Chapter, Commodore Austin Duruoha (rtd); Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa; Chairman Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mba, among others
Other highlights of the ceremony were prayers and a minute silence observed in honour of the fallen heroes, gun salutes and commemorative release of pigeons, signifying peace; while the former Military Governor of Kogi State, Commodore Paul Omeruo, members of the State Executive Council, and other government functionaries, Service Commanders, members of the Nigerian Legion, the Clergy , traditional rulers, among other dignitaries, were present at the ceremony.