…Eno to empower widows of fallen heroes in Akwa Ibom
…Aiyedatiwa unveils N50m lifeline as pledges Otu continued support
President Bola Tinubu has re-assured members of the Nigerian Armed Forces that their sacrifices will not be in vain.
President Tinubu stated this in a messaged on his X handle as Nigeria honoured fallen heroes at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day
Nigeria remembers the brave men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces who sacrificed everything for the country, with the celebration of annual Remembrance Day.
The President noted that although their names might not always be remembered, their “courage sustains our freedom and peace”.
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According to him “A nation that forgets its fallen heroes loses its direction; Nigeria, however, remembers.
“I also speak today to the families of our fallen heroes- widows, children, and loved ones. Your loss is profound, and no words can replace the sacrifices of your loved ones.
“They served Nigeria with honour, and our people will never forget their sacrifices
“Today, we celebrate our serving personnel. From the frontlines to support positions, on land, sea, and air, you carry the heavy responsibility of protecting our people and sovereignty with discipline, courage, and professionalism, often far from home.”
In Akwa Ibom State, the State Government unveiled a comprehensive economic empowerment package aimed at improving the livelihoods of widows of fallen Military, Police, and Paramilitary personnel through sustainable income-generating initiatives.
Governor Umo Eno announced the programme during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony held at the Cenotaph on Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Capital.
As part of the initiative, the State Government will construct 150 lock-up stores, comprising 100 for widows of fallen Military personnel and 50 for widows of deceased Police officers and other paramilitary operatives.
The governor disclosed that beneficiaries would also receive take-off grants to enable them establish and sustain small-scale businesses.
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to the welfare of military veterans, widows and families of fallen heroes, as 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.
Represented by his Deputy, Peter Odey, Governor Otu described the event as a solemn reminder of the supreme sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces to keep Nigeria united and peaceful.
But, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa paid tribute to Nigeria’s fallen Military heroes, saying his Administration’s commitment to the welfare and empowerment of their widows.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who spoke at the grand finale of the 2026 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day Celebration, held at the Government Cenotaph, Alagbaka, Akure, emphasised that the nationwide celebration represented the highest form of respect for fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, while also honouring living veterans and serving military personnel dedicated to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
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He stressed that the ceremony was not merely about remembrance but also about honour and empowerment, particularly for the widows of fallen heroes, whose resilience continues to inspire society.
According to him, the Ondo State Government recognised the challenges faced by these widows and was committed to supporting their welfare through sustained resources, opportunities, and recognition.
The governor disclosed that the Emblem Appeal Fund, launched earlier, had attracted an initial sum of N5 million, alongside his personal donation of one month’s salary, in addition to contributions from individuals and institutions at both personal and corporate levels.


