ASABA/Nigeria: Activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Delta State on Thursday culminated in a solemn ceremony with the laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph in Asaba, in honour of Nigeria’s fallen heroes.
The ceremony was attended by the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who served as Special Guest of Honour, alongside his deputy, Monday Onyeme. Also present were the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, the Chief Judge of Delta State, Tessy Diai, service commanders of the Armed Forces and the Commissioner of Police in the state.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, Kingsley Emu, the Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and Orodje of Okpe, His Royal Majesty Felix Mujakperuo (Maj-Gen., Rtd.), members of the Nigerian Legion and other top government officials.
On arrival at the Cenotaph, Governor Oborevwori was received with a traditional military salute before inspecting a guard of honour mounted by officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigerian Legion, in a display that underscored discipline, honour and national unity.
The ceremony featured a minute of silence in honour of the fallen heroes, followed by interfaith prayers led by Christian and Muslim clerics for the repose of the souls of departed servicemen and women, the welfare of veterans and their families, and divine guidance for the nation’s leadership.
Thereafter, Governor Oborevwori led service commanders, the Commissioner of Police, representatives of traditional rulers, legionnaires and senior government functionaries in the laying of wreaths at the ceremonial tomb of the unknown soldier.
Highlights of the event included the firing of gun salutes and the release of white pigeons by the governor, symbolising peace, hope and renewal, and reaffirming Delta State’s commitment to the ideals of unity, sacrifice and patriotism for which the nation’s heroes fought and paid the ultimate price.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day remains a solemn national observance, reminding Nigerians of the heavy cost of freedom and the collective responsibility to sustain peace, unity and national cohesion for future generations.
It would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, launched the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal Fund in honour of fallen heroes, wounded veterans and serving troops engaged in frontline duties across the country.
