Siminalayi Fubara has described security as the foundation of every prosperous society, stressing that peace and stability are essential for sustainable development.
Fubara made the remarks on Sunday at the gala night of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, the governor praised the Nigerian Army for its dedication to protecting the country’s territorial integrity and maintaining peace.
“As everyone knows, security remains the vital foundation of any prosperous society, and a nation sleeps in peace because brave men and women stand awake in its defence,” he said.
Fubara also paid tribute to fallen military personnel, describing their sacrifices as crucial to Nigeria’s unity and democratic progress.
“We honour those who have paid the ultimate price and stand in solidarity with the families they left behind. Their sacrifices continue to preserve our nation’s unity, protect our territorial integrity, and sustain our democracy,” the governor stated.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies operating in Rivers State.
According to him, the partnership between the Rivers State Government and the Army’s 6 Division has played a significant role in improving security, peace and economic growth in the state.
“We sincerely appreciate the Nigerian Army’s relentless efforts in maintaining law and order in Rivers State, creating an environment where residents can live and sleep peacefully,” he added.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, said the Nigerian Army Day Celebration offers an opportunity to deepen civil-military relations, strengthen public support and execute community development projects across Rivers State.
He noted that the Army carried out several intervention projects as part of the celebration, including the renovation of community secondary schools and the installation of solar-powered boreholes to improve the welfare of host communities.
Shaibu stressed that lasting national security depends on public trust, cooperation and active citizen participation.
“As an Army, we recognise the indispensable role of the people in supporting our efforts to achieve national security objectives within a joint, multifaceted, and dynamic security environment.
“Enduring security can only be achieved through a strong partnership between the military, other security agencies, and the communities we are sworn to protect.
“This understanding forms the basis of our Civil-Military Cooperation Projects Scheme and other non-kinetic operations,” he said.
The Army Chief thanked the Rivers State Government and residents for their continued support, assuring them that the military would sustain both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to tackle security challenges.
“We will continue to collaborate with other security and intelligence agencies, as well as local communities, to provide a secure and enabling environment for socio-economic development.
“I urge all Nigerians to continue to trust the Nigerian Army and remain steadfast in supporting our collective efforts towards ensuring lasting peace, stability, and national development,” he said.
