The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has paid glowing tribute to Nigeria’s fallen heroes and serving personnel, describing their sacrifices as the unseen cost of the nation’s peace and freedom.
He gave the tribute in his goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service held on Monday at the Chapel of Christ the Light, The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja. The service was themed “Sacrifice Remembered, Strength Renewed.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the annual remembrance was both a thanksgiving to God and a sacred pause to honour courage, remember sacrifice, and acknowledge the price paid by members of the Armed Forces to safeguard the nation.
He noted that while citizens go about their daily lives in peace, men and women in uniform stand watch, often under extreme conditions and at great personal risk, so that others may live without fear. He expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving Nigeria and for the dedication of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and officers whose service remains a calling rooted in discipline, courage, and selflessness.
The Governor also paid special tribute to fallen heroes and heroines who answered the call of duty and did not return, noting that though their names may not always be spoken, their sacrifices are permanently etched into the nation’s history for laying down their lives for others.
Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the families of the fallen, their pain and resilience, assuring them of the State’s solidarity and commitment to honour, care, and enduring support.
He also commended the Armed Forces for their evolving professionalism on internal security support, disaster response, protection of critical infrastructure, humanitarian assistance, and promotion of national unity.
The Governor challenged citizens to embrace unity, responsibility, and mutual respect, stressing that a united nation strengthens its defenders and sustains peace. He also called on the Church and faith communities to continue praying for peace, wisdom in leadership, and divine protection for security personnel.
The Lead Pastor, Church Management Consult, Pastor Seyi Oladimeji in his sermon anchored on Isaiah 41:10 charged all Nigerians to commit to lives of responsibility and peaceful coexistence. He prayed for God’s righteous hand to uphold both the living and the departed.
In attendance were Armed Forces commanders, heads of paramilitary agencies, members of the Nigerian Legion, Armed Forces Wives Associations, families of fallen heroes and heroines, and other distinguished guests.
The service concluded with prayers for eternal rest for departed heroes, comfort for their families, divine protection for serving personnel, and lasting peace for Nigeria.