Fintiri Honours Fallen Heroes, Reaffirms Support for Armed Forces at 2026 Remembrance Day Parade
By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has commended the resilience and sacrifices of serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the families of fallen heroes, describing their contributions as critical to Nigeria’s peace, unity and stability.
The governor gave the commendation on Thursday during the wreath-laying ceremony that marked the grand finale of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the Mahmud Ribadu Square in Yola.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed annually on January 15, is dedicated to honouring both fallen and living Nigerian servicemen who participated in the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, as well as various internal security operations and international peacekeeping missions.
Represented at the event by his deputy, Professor Kaletapwa George Farauta, Governor Fintiri said the day was set aside to remember fallen heroes and to pray for God’s comfort, protection and sustenance for the families they left behind.
“Today, we remember the souls of our fallen heroes and pray that God grants them eternal rest. We also ask God to fill the vacuum created by their absence and to continually protect their widows and children. These families bear a heavy burden, having lost their husbands and brothers who paid the supreme price to ensure Nigeria remains united,” he said.
The governor also praised serving security personnel for their courage and unwavering commitment to national service, noting that while their sacrifices could never be fully repaid, the government would continue to pray for their protection and strength.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to policies and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of serving personnel, ex-servicemen and the families of fallen heroes, while urging Nigerians to continue praying for peace and to support widows and dependants of deceased servicemen.
The wreath-laying ceremony was led by the Deputy Governor on behalf of Governor Fintiri. Other dignitaries who laid wreaths included the Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley, and a representative of the State Chief Judge, Justice Hafsat Abdurahman.
The event attracted serving and retired military officers, widows of fallen heroes, service commanders in the state, a representative of the Lamido of Adamawa, Dr. Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Warrant Officer Ali Mohammed (Rtd.), and representatives of widows’ associations.
Speaking on behalf of widows of fallen heroes, the Vice Chairperson of the Widows Association, Susana Patrick, appealed to government at all levels to prioritise the payment of outstanding benefits owed to widows.
“We are appealing to the government to remember us. Many of us are suffering. Our husbands died protecting this nation, and we are left to fend for our children. The entire burden is on us now as we have become both father and mother to our children,” she said.
Highlights of the ceremony included special prayers for serving and fallen heroes, a three-gun salute in honour of the deceased, and the release of pigeons and doves symbolising peace, hope and prosperity for the nation.
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