Former Labour Party presidential hopeful Peter Obi has called on Nigerians and leaders at every tier of government to renew their commitment to building a country that truly reflects the sacrifices of fallen members of the Armed Forces.
Obi made this appeal in a message shared on his verified X account on Thursday in commemoration of the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, which honours military personnel who died in active service.
The ex-Governor of Anambra State explained that the occasion stands as a sober reflection on the bravery and selflessness of soldiers who defended the nation on the frontlines, often paying the ultimate price.
“On this solemn day of Armed Forces Remembrance, we honour those who have laid down their lives in service to our nation. This special annual event serves as a reminder for us to recommit ourselves to being a nation worthy of their sacrifice,” he said.
Obi stressed that the lasting legacy of fallen soldiers endures in the lives of the citizens they protected, describing them as heroes who withstood extreme hardships to preserve the country’s peace and security.
“We are told that a soldier’s true grave is not in the earth, but in the hearts and minds of those they protected—those who slept peacefully while their heroes stood guard,” Obi stated.
He added that the most meaningful way to honour the fallen is for both citizens and leaders to pursue lives that foster peace, justice, and national development.
“Perhaps the most fitting honour we can bestow upon these heroes is to live lives that promote peace and progress. We must provide leadership that gives hope to the hopeless,” he added.
Obi also expressed solidarity with the families of deceased soldiers, recognising the profound and ongoing pain they endure.
“For the families of these fallen heroes, today is not just a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of an empty chair and a voice that is no longer heard,” he said, while reassuring them that their loved ones’ sacrifices would always be remembered.
He concluded by offering prayers for the souls of the fallen and urged Nigerians to maintain lasting gratitude for their service.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed every January 15 in honour of Nigerian military personnel who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping assignments, and current internal security operations.
