Armed Forces: Nigerians should remember families of fallen heroes every day – Abiodun

In order to better appreciate the legacies of the nation’s fallen heroes, Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has urged Nigerians to remember the families they left behind not just once in a year but everyday.

Abiodun also called for a better welfare package for the families, adding that those left behind must be adequately taken care of by governments at all levels.

The governor spoke during the 2025 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day parade held at the Arcade Ground of the Governors Office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, on Wednesday.

The Day is observed on 15 January each year to commemorate the servicemen of the Nigerian Armed Forces. It also honors veterans of the World War I and II as well as the Nigerian Civil War.

According to Abiodun, the celebration is to remember all those who have lived their lives as a sacrifice to protect the nation from either external or internal conflicts.

The governor maintained that remembering the dead heroes for their sacrifices as well as those they left behind is the only way to preserve their legacies.

He said, “We not only remember them for paying the supreme price but we also remember those that they left behind, their widows and widowers.

“We must not remember them in just one day but we must take time out to remember them in our own little way everyday of the year. We should show them love.”

Emphasizing that the fallen heroes had made significant sacrifices for the nation, Abiodun encouraged Nigerians to demonstrate compassion and care for their loved ones.

“We should try and identify them and some of what they need is just for us to show that we care about them.

“These are the people who have gone far beyond to do things that many of us will not ever want to do and we must also do everything to make sure that Nigeria remains an indivisible entity,” he added.

The event witnessed gun salute and release of a pigeon as the governor and other dignitaries took turns to lay wreaths.

Armed Forces: Nigerians should remember families of fallen heroes every day – Abiodun