- Delta Gov. Advises Nigerians
BY SAM DUVWODE
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on Nigerians to embrace dialogue, abstain from inflammatory rhetoric and divisive tendencies in honour of the nation’s fallen heroes and legionnaires.
Governor Oborevwori made the call, yesterday, during a special interdenominational thanksgiving Mass in commemoration of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at Emmanuel The Saviour Catholic Church, Asaba.
Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said Nigerians owe it as a duty to the fallen heroes and the nation to emulate their examples of sacrifice and commitment and pursue the path of peace, unity and justice.
He also urged all not to forget to pray for global peace at this time, especially for the peaceful resolution of the Israel-Palestinian war and the Russia-Ukraine war.
“Today’s thanksgiving service is the penultimate event of the week-long activities to commemorate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, a day set aside to honour our fallen heroes and legionnaires.
“This church service offers us the opportunity for sober reflection on the past, present, and future of our beloved country. Many of our compatriots paid the ultimate price to protect our national sovereignty and preserve the unity of the country.
“Their surviving colleagues, members of the Nigerian Legion, are still grappling with the harsh realities of war and conflict. We salute their bravery, courage, and abiding faith in Nigeria.” Gov. Oborevwori stated.
The governor challenges all to ensure that commitment to the legionnaires as well as the widows and children of fallen heroes goes beyond the annual ritual.
According to him; “The government of Delta State is steadfast in its support of legionnaires in the state in various ways. It is expected that members of the Legion would reciprocate this gesture by organizing themselves and embarking on meaningful projects and programmes that would complement the efforts of the government to improve the living standard of ex-servicemen.
“Furthermore, I urge legionnaires, as senior citizens, to always demonstrate very high ethical values and discipline in their actions and utterances.”
“I thank the bishop for his inspiring sermon. I trust that all of us gathered here will take heed to his admonitions not only for the betterment of our country but for the salvation of our souls. As the Bible eloquently declares in Hebrews 9:27, “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”
“Hence, it is imperative for us all, especially those of us in leadership, to lead with the fear of God, which the Bible says is the beginning of wisdom. We need the wisdom of God to make the right choices and decisions that will deliver good governance to our people.” Gov. Oborevwori stated.
The governor stated further; “this church service offers us the opportunity for sober reflection on the past, present, and future of our beloved country. Many of our compatriots paid the ultimate price to protect our national sovereignty and preserve the unity of the country.”
“Their surviving colleagues, members of the Nigerian Legion, are still grappling with the harsh realities of war and conflict. We salute their bravery, courage, and abiding faith in Nigeria.”
“I want to challenge us today to ensure that our commitment to these legionnaires as well as the widows and children of our fallen heroes goes beyond this annual ritual.” Gov. Oborevwori said.
The governor appealed to Nigerians not to relent, noting that if they fail to identify with the aspirations of members of the Nigerian Legion the purpose of our gathering here today would be in vain.
Governor Oborevwori said Christians have a duty and a responsibility to pray for them and take concrete actions to bring succour to them, as well as the families of the fallen soldiers.
Earlier, in a sermon, Msgr John Aduba, the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Pro Cathedral, Asaba noted that the service was to celebrate members of the armed forces that are still serving and to remember the fallen heroes who laid their lives for the nation.
According to Msgr Aduba, “Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a day that we honour our country’s military personnel and veterans.”
“I thank you for your service to our country, our nation, this service is a call for us to reflect on the ultimate sacrifices of the fallen heroes. It is a time to express our gratitude to those who have served this country.”
“By celebrating our service men and women we ensure that their legacy is never forgotten”.
Msgr Aduba, enjoined all to honour God by showing appreciation and gratitude to service men and women of the nation.
“We should continue in the display of God’s overwhelming love and generosity for all mankind.” He said.
… Lauds Army’s Role In Ensuring Peace
BY SAM DUVWODE
Meanwhile, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has commended the Nigeria Army in collaboration with other security agencies for ensuring a peaceful and prosperous Delta State and Nigeria in general.
Governor Oborevwori made the commendation during Combined West African Social Activities (WASA) For Headquarters 63 Brigade /Sector 1 Joint Task Force South – South Operators Delta Safe And 3 Battalion (REAR) For Year 2024, at Effurun Barracks, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area Delta State.
Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme commended the role of the military in collaboration with other security agencies operating in Delta for ensuring a peaceful and prosperous State, and assured that his administration will shall continue to support the military and other security agencies to carry out their functions effectively.
Governor Oborevwori expressed satisfaction that despite its responsibility of ensuring safety of lives and property, the Army did not lose sight of its African social activities with regards to its cultural heritage.
According to him; “I am happy because we are witnessing the social side of the military which is very rear to see. This I was told is to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our great country.
“It is even more interesting that all the cultural dances Delta is known for have been performed here and all ethnic nationalities were represented in your activities.
“I want to thank you, because it is important for us to preserve our culture as our culture displays who we are. The military is known for its toughness and this did not escape the organizers of this program with the inclusion of the tug of war elements on the program”
“Security of lives and property cannot be compromised, we are all aware that no meaningful development can take place in an environment that is not secured.
“One key element of this administration’s MORE agenda is Peace and Security. All other parts of the agenda can only succeed only if we succeed in peace and security.
“I commend the role of the military in collaboration with other security agencies for us to have a peaceful and prosperous State. We shall continue to support the military and other security agencies to carry out their functions effectively”.
“As a government, we shall always encourage peaceful coexistence among our people. I thank you for the sacrifices you make and are still making for our state and Nigeria in general.
“In order for Nigeria and our states to remain peaceful, we remain committed to assisting the military in whatever way we can in order to carry out these very important duties.
“We will continue to support the military to do its work and will continue to encourage you to do the best for your nation. We do not have any other country other than this, and without your effort this country will not be in existence today.”
“We are very much aware of the heinous responsibility that has been bestowed on you and which you have been carrying out dutifully since independence”. Governor. Oborevwori stated.
Earlier in his remark, the Special Guest of honour, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Operation Delta Safe noted that, The West African Social Activities (WASA) is aimed to motivate the army through the unique strength in the nation’s cultural diversity.
Major General Abdussalam said, WASA was to draw curtains on the year’s demanding activities by showcasing the things that unite men of the Nigeria Army.
According to him; It is equally to prepare the army for the expected challenges of the coming year particularly within the operating environment of the brigade.
Major General Abdussalam said; “It is a pleasure to see that the extant tradition of the service are not only upheld but improved upon thereby keeping the prestige of the Nigeria Army as the pride of our nation.
“May I thereby commend the commanders 63 Brigade as well as the commanding officers 3 Battalion Nigeria Army officers and Soldiers of the brigade for keeping the traditional flame of our noble professions alive.”
Major General Abdussalam noted that, for the division to effectively surmount its environment, it will require troops to remain disciplined, professional, focus and shunning of all forms of illegality however tempting they may appear.
According to him; It will also demand effective synergy with other sister services and other security agencies as well as solid support from their dear families.
He urge men of the army to continue to fight all illegalities in the region. “ We must continue to guard and protect critical national infrastructure to ensure that oil production continues to rise in order for the economy to improve for the benefit of all Nigerians.”
“In this regard, the was a is geared towards positive reflection on the closing year in order to refuel for the year coming.” He said.
The West African Social Activities by the Combined Headquarters 63 Brigade/3 Battalion, Nigeria Army Effurun was a beehive of social activities that showcased cultural dances from various ethnic groups, tug of war as well as drama presentation amongst others.
