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Renews commitment to welfare of veterans, families
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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has renewed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of military veterans, widows, and families of fallen heroes.
The governor renewed this commitment when he joined officers, veterans, and stakeholders at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day held at the Eleven Eleven Millennium Park remembrance arcade on Thursday in Calabar.
Governor Otu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Odey, described the event as a solemn reminder of the supreme sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces to keep Nigeria united and peaceful.
“The lesson from this ceremony is that we remember our fallen heroes, those who paid the supreme sacrifice for this country to remain one.
“Many people do not fully understand the sacrifices these people made, most of them with their lives. The fact that we can sleep peacefully in this state is because of the hard work and commitment of our military officers,” he said.
He stressed that the state government remains resolute in its support for the Armed Forces and their families, noting that the administration recognises their invaluable contributions to national and state security.
On the welfare of widows of fallen heroes, the Deputy Governor assured that the Otu administration has deliberately included them in government programmes and interventions.
Earlier, the state chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Cross River State Command, Comrade Daniel Ojugbo, described the ceremony as a mark of honour for fallen heroes and a moment of reflection on the challenges faced by veterans and their families.
He commended Governor Bassey Otu for his supportive disposition, noting that the current administration has shown genuine concern for the Legion and its members.
Coordinator of military widows in the state, Mrs Miriam Orok, expressed gratitude to the governor for what she described as a marked improvement in the treatment and inclusion of widows under his administration.
This year’s event was graced by the state Chief Judge, Justice Akon Ikpeme, Speaker of the State Assembly, Hon. Elvert Ayambem, and heads of security agencies in the state.
