Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has asked Nigerians and leaders at all levels to renew their commitment to constructing a nation worthy of the sacrifices made by deceased Armed Forces members.
Obi made the statement in a post on Thursday from his verified X handle to commemorate the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, which honors military soldiers who died in the line of duty.
The former governor of Anambra State stated that the day serves as a solemn reminder of the courage and selflessness of warriors who fought on the front lines to safeguard the country, often at the expense of their own lives.
“On this solemn day of Armed Forces Remembrance, we honor those who have laid down their lives in service to our nation. This special annual event serves as a reminder for us to recommit ourselves to being a nation worthy of their sacrifice,” he said.
He mentioned that the true legacy of fallen soldiers lives on in the hearts of the people they protected, describing them as heroes who endured harsh conditions to safeguard the peace and security of the nation.
“We are told that a soldier’s true grave is not in the earth, but in the hearts and minds of those they protected—those who slept peacefully while their heroes stood guard,” Obi stated.
According to him, the best way to honor deceased heroes is for citizens and leaders to conduct lives that promote peace, justice, and national progress.
“Perhaps the most fitting honor we can bestow upon these heroes is to live lives that promote peace and progress. We must provide leadership that gives hope to the hopeless,” he added.
The former Anambra State governor also extended his thoughts to the families of fallen soldiers, acknowledging the deep personal loss they continue to bear.
“For the families of these fallen heroes, today is not just a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of an empty chair and a voice that is no longer heard,” he said, assuring them that the sacrifices of their loved ones would never be forgotten.
Obi, therefore, prayed for the repose of the souls of deceased troops and asked for long-term national thanks for their service.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed yearly on January 15 to honor Nigerian military troops who perished in the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping missions, and continuing internal security activities.
