From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has implored corporate organisations and private individuals to lend support to the country’s armed forces through contributions and partnerships that would improve their conditions of service.
Senator Diri made the call on Thursday at the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held at the Peace Park in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The Bayelsa governor, who paid tributes to serving, retired and fallen soldiers for their gallant services in preserving the country’s territorial integrity, said the celebration should serve as a renewed act of solidarity and expression of gratitude to the heroes that made sacrifices to protect and unify Nigeria.
His words: “On this day, and every day, let us ensure we do not forget those whose sacrifices have made peace and safety attainable. We know that behind every medal lies a story of sacrifice. Families who have lost breadwinners; veterans who have had their lives altered in their prime; and many who live with wounds, visible and invisible, that demand our practical compassion as much as our respect.
“The Armed Forces are the bedrock of national security. Without them, the very fabric of our country would be torn apart.
“I am therefore grateful to Mr. President, in his capacity as Commander‑in‑Chief, and to the senior military leadership for their unremitting efforts to improve conditions of service and the welfare of our gallant soldiers.
“Let me take this opportunity to call on corporate organisations and private individuals to lend their support to our armed forces. Through your contributions and judicious partnerships, we can ensure that those who hazard so much for our safety are neither overlooked nor forgotten.”
Senator Diri assured of his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of the armed forces, which he said was evident in the recent completion and handing over of residential accommodation to the Nigerian Army 16 Brigade at Elebele.
The governor urged the army leadership to also collaborate with his administration on agriculture to boost food security and sustainable livelihoods.
“On Tuesday, I flagged off the dry farming season programme in the state. In that spirit, and following the model of the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited (NAFARL), I invite the Armed Forces leadership to partner with the Bayelsa State Government in large‑scale agricultural endeavours that will bolster food security and promote sustainable livelihoods.”
Highpoint of the event was the laying of wreaths at the tomb of the unknown soldier by Senator Diri, Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, the Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, as well as service commanders and a representative of widows of the fallen heroes, Mrs Christina Boroni.
Others who laid wreaths were chairman of the state traditional rulers council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, and the Assistant Commandant General and chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Bayelsa State Council, Chief Baratuaipre Allison-Alanimi.
