The Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the Armed Forces and the families of fallen heroes, assuring them of the administration’s continued resolve to prioritise their welfare and support.
Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu gave the assurance at an interdenominational church service held on Sunday at Christ the King Chaplaincy, 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Calabar, as part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Week. The Governor was represented at the service by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem.
He stressed that the bravery and sacrifices of fallen heroes, as well as those still serving, must never be forgotten or taken for granted, describing their contributions as central to the peace and stability enjoyed in the state and the nation.
Governor Otu acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, commending his leadership and reassuring Nigerians of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to national security.
He described the gathering as multifaceted, noting that it provided an opportunity to commiserate with the families and widows of fallen heroes, offer thanksgiving to God for life, and strengthen collaboration between the state government and the Armed Forces.
Urging Nigerians not to lose faith in the country despite prevailing challenges, the Governor expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its security trials through resilience, unity and trust in the Armed Forces.
“Our Armed Forces have faced difficult moments in the past and prevailed. This is not the time to give up. With God on our side, we will win,” Otu assured.
Reflecting on his assumption of office, the Governor noted that he inherited a state confronted by security challenges but, through sustained collaboration with the military, police and other security agencies, Cross River State has emerged as one of the safest states in the country.
He attributed the progress to the dedication and sacrifices of security personnel, assuring them of his administration’s continued concern for their welfare, including sustained improvements to barracks and other security formations across the state.
The Governor also offered prayers and words of comfort to the families of fallen heroes, assuring them of divine consolation and the government’s solidarity.
“To the widows and families, God Himself remains the greatest comforter. Peace will never depart from your homes, and help will rise for you in your time of need,” he said.
Earlier, the Commander of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Patrick Alimikhena, who read the message of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, paid glowing tribute to fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of Nigeria’s peace and unity.
Quoting from the Gospel of John 15:13, the message described the sacrifice of the fallen heroes as the highest expression of love, while also honouring serving personnel who continue to protect the nation under challenging conditions.
The Chief of Defence Staff further recognised the sacrifices of widows, children and families of fallen heroes, praying for divine comfort, strength and enduring peace for them and the nation at large.
In a homily, the Acting Assistant Director, Chaplain Services (Protestant), 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Captain D. L. Wala, likened Goliath to the security challenges confronting the nation, while David represented the Armed Forces and security agencies confronting those threats.
Taking his text from 1 Samuel 17:32 with the theme “Nigerians, Let No One Lose Heart,” the cleric urged Nigerians and the Armed Forces to remain steadfast, united and God-fearing, stressing that victory would come through faith, unity, government support and remembrance of the sacrifices of fallen heroes.
The interdenominational service concluded with prayers for the Armed Forces, national leaders and the continued peace and stability of Nigeria, officially signalling the commencement of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in Cross River State.
The event was attended by the Chief Judge of Cross River State, Justice Akon Ikpeme; the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar; the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Ekpenyong Akiba, among other dignitaries.
Kingsley Agim
