By Miriam Humbe
The Executive Governor of Niger State, Farmer Umaru Bago, has hailed the sacrifices of fallen heroes and serving personnel of the nation in defence of peace, unity and progress of Nigeria while serving in the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations,
Training and Doctrine Command of the Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement.
Governor Bago was speaking on Wednesday during the Wreath Laying Ceremony in commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) 2025 held at cenotaph in Old State Secretariat, Minna, Niger State.
He also commended both serving and retired personnel for their untiring efforts, sacrifices and commitment for keeping the nation one, safe and secured while paying special tributes to those who paid the supreme price in military operations within the country and across the globe.
The Governor therefore, urged the people of Niger State and other Nigerians to continue to pray and support members of armed forces in the discharge of their constitutional duties, saying that members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria deserve all the support and special goodwill for their unique service.
He presented a cheque of Fifty Million Naira (50,000,000) to the members of the Nigerian Legion in the State.
The AFRDC 2025 provided an opportunity to honour the heroes both serving and retired for their immense contributions, service and sacrifice to the fatherland as well as other veterans that have paid the supreme price in the course of defending the nation.
The Nigerian Legion comprises retired, ex-service men and women whom have served the country with pride, commitment, selflessness and dedication in the services.
The celebration had series of activities such as Jumma’at Service and Inter-denominational Service that were conducted in Minna Military Cantonment.
During the services at Central Mosque and St Mary’s Catholic Church (Roman Catholic) in Minna Military Cantonment soecual prayers were offered in honour of the fallen and living heroes of members of the Armed Forces.
The climax of the occasion included reviewing of parade and laying of wreath by the Governor Bago, Commander, Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian (TRADOC NA), Maj Gen Kevin Aligbe, among others, as well as signing of the condolence register and symbolic release of pigeons to signify peace and the observance of a minute silence and blowing of the last post in honour of the fallen heroes.
Dignitaries included the Chief Judge of Niger State, the Chairman Niger State Council of Chiefs, members of the State Executive Council, the Commander 31 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Hamidu Bobbo, Commander 013 Quick Response Force Nigerian Airforce, Group Captain Idoko, Commissioner of Police and Heads of other Security Agencies in the state.
Others were Departmental Chiefs and Directors of TRADOC NA, Formations and Unit Commanders, Senior Military Officers (serving and retired), Members of the Nigerian Army officers Wives Association (NAOWA)Minna Chapter amongst several others.
