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By Kayode Olopade
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has urged Nigerians to continually support widows of the nation’s fallen heroes, describing such assistance as a solemn duty and a fitting way to honour the supreme sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces.
The governor also directed the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to ensure that widows of fallen military personnel are fully integrated into the state’s empowerment and social intervention programmes.
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the charge on Friday during a special Jumat Service held to commemorate the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day at the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja. He was represented at the service by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.
According to the governor, providing sustained support for the families of fallen heroes remains a moral obligation, noting that no sacrifice is greater than laying down one’s life in defence of the nation.
He explained that the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day offers Nigerians the opportunity to pray for the repose of the souls of fallen officers, the safety of those currently deployed across various theatres of operation, and the well-being of their families.
“The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day provides an opportunity to pray for the souls of our fallen heroes, for the safety of those presently serving in different military operations across the country, and for the well-being of their families,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to the welfare of military personnel and their families, disclosing that the state maintains regular engagements with widows of fallen heroes. He added that ongoing renovation of military barracks and other welfare-driven initiatives were part of deliberate efforts to improve living conditions for officers and their dependants.
The governor also cautioned against the tendency to associate terrorism with religion, particularly Islam, stressing that millions of Muslims are law-abiding citizens who contribute significantly to national development.
He urged Muslim leaders and faithful to continue projecting positive values and narratives, noting that while acts of terrorism often receive wide publicity, the sacrifices and successes of the Armed Forces in countering these threats are sometimes underreported.
Sanwo-Olu further identified sound moral upbringing as a long-term solution to the nation’s security and social challenges, calling on parents to take greater responsibility for the moral and spiritual development of their children.
He emphasised that the family remains the foundation of society, adding that proper home training plays a critical role in shaping responsible citizens and determining the future of the nation.
In a goodwill message, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa—represented by Brigadier General I. B. Sheriff—called on Nigerians to continue praying for and cooperating with the Armed Forces as they carry out their constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property.
He described the Armed Forces Remembrance Day as a moment to honour serving personnel and fallen heroes, noting that despite the country’s numerous security challenges, members of the Armed Forces remain on the frontlines to guarantee peace and stability.
“It is because of their sacrifices that many of us are able to sleep peacefully in our homes,” he said.
The GOC commended the Lagos State Government and residents for their consistent support of the military, urging them to sustain their prayers and cooperation with security agencies across the state.
Earlier, in his admonition, the Chief Imam of the Lagos Secretariat Community Mosque, Dr. Saheed Ahmad, stressed that national security is a collective responsibility that goes beyond men and women in uniform.
He noted that when citizens act responsibly, uphold moral values and respect human life, they reduce the burden on security agencies and contribute to a safer society.
According to the Imam, a peaceful and secure nation can only be achieved when individuals cultivate inner peace, godliness and self-discipline, as these values ultimately shape collective harmony and national stability.
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