Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, emphasized the importance of honoring military personnel and security forces for their sacrifices while they are still alive, rather than only commemorating them after death.
The Governor made these remarks during an Inter-denominational Thanksgiving Service held in observance of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Chaplaincy, Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), in Rumuibekwe, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Fubara criticized the notion of solely remembering fallen heroes during the annual celebration, asserting that it is equally vital to establish lasting initiatives that recognize and celebrate the bravery of active service members.
He pledged that his administration would strive to improve the lives of those involved in security operations, including both legionnaires and the families of deceased heroes within the state.
“Our government will not limit its efforts to only commemorating the fallen soldiers or those who gave their lives for this nation,” he stated. “We aim to shift the focus a bit. Our goal is to provide strong support to those left behind so they can see the actions taken by the government and the people of Rivers State to assist them. We want to ensure that people are acknowledged by the government for making positive contributions and for their development into valuable members of our society.”
He continued, “We want to assure the legionnaires, who are the focus of this occasion, and the Armed Forces that our government will remain dedicated to protecting the lives of our citizens and prioritizing their welfare.
“At the core of it all, it’s about the people, and they must always come first. We assure you that we are committed to fulfilling the promises we have made. While we have already addressed many, we will ensure that any outstanding commitments are met so that you are not just remembered after your passing, but can also enjoy life fully while you are here.”
Governor Fubara drew a parallel to the biblical figure Moses, who sought God’s guidance as a shield and compass for the Israelites, affirming that divine guidance is vital for the state’s direction and affairs.
