The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, called on state governors and the Federal Government to prioritise the welfare of servicemen across Nigeria.
Speaking on Thursday at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in Yenagoa, he also urged corporate organisations and private individuals to support the armed forces.
He emphasised that the well-being of those who stand guard between citizens and danger is closely linked to national prosperity, morale and security.
Diri praised President Bola Tinubu and senior military leadership for their efforts to improve service conditions and the welfare of soldiers.
Later leading others to lay wreaths at the cenotaph, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing the armed forces’ welfare, highlighting the recent completion and handover of residential accommodation to the Nigerian Army’s 16 Brigade at Elebele.
He further urged army leadership to collaborate with his administration on agricultural initiatives to boost food security and sustainable livelihoods.
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“On this day, and every day, we must not forget those whose sacrifices have made peace and safety possible,” he said.
“Behind every medal lies a story of sacrifice—families who have lost breadwinners, veterans whose lives were altered in their prime, and many living with wounds, visible and invisible, that demand both our practical compassion and respect.”
The governor, who paid tributes to serving, retired and fallen soldiers for their gallant services in preserving the country’s territorial integrity, said the celebration should serve as a renewed act of solidarity and expression of gratitude to the heroes that made sacrifices to protect and unify Nigeria.
