It was solemn yet, an inspiring day filled with memories, honour, and heartfelt gratitude as the Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State marked the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, in honour of Nigeria’s fallen heroes and serving military personnel.
The commemorative event took place on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the Government Field, Agbor, drawing together government officials, traditional rulers, security agencies, retired military officers, and other distinguished guests in a show of unity and respect for the nation’s defenders.
The occasion was attended by the Chairman of Ika South Local Government, Hon. Jerry Ehiwarior, who was ably represented by his Vice Chairman, Mrs. Gloria Onyeagbor. Also present were the Secretary to the Ika South Local Government, Mr. Kainji Aluge Obia, officials of Federal Road Safety Corps, Agbor Command, retired soldiers, representatives of the Agbor Council of Chiefs, Abavo Council of Chiefs, as well as representatives of various security agencies, retired army officers, and other dignitaries from within and outside the local government.
Delivering the sermon as the Officiating Minister of the day, Mr. A. Godwin reminded the gathering of the true essence of the remembrance, stating that the day was set aside “to remember those who are dead and to celebrate those who are living.”
Speaking on the topic “Living a Sacrificial Life,” with a scriptural text from John 15:12–14, Mr. Godwin emphasized the centrality of sacrifice in both faith and national service. He explained that Jesus Christ, through His teachings, admonished His disciples to live sacrificially, just as He sacrificed His comfort and laid down His life for the salvation and reconciliation of humanity to God.
According to him, “True friendship with Jesus is demonstrated through obedience to His commands and a willingness to make sacrifices for others. Drawing parallels between Christ’s sacrifice and that of Nigeria’s armed forces, he noted that the nation’s fallen heroes gave their lives for peace, unity, and stability, while those still in service continue to make enormous sacrifices daily.
“Our fallen heroes lost their lives for the peace and unity of our nation. They made sacrifices for our country,” he said. “For those who are still alive, they are still sacrificing. Some of them stay months without seeing their wives and children; some are deployed to dangerous places like the Sambisa Forest.”
He challenged members of the public to reflect on their own contributions to humanity and nation-building, asking, “What sacrifice are you making for your fellow human beings?”
He concluded by reminding the audience that every sacrifice, no matter how small, counts before God, who ultimately rewards every good or bad deed.
In her remarks on behalf of the Ika South Local Government Chairman, Mrs. Gloria Onyeagbor expressed profound gratitude to God and paid glowing tribute to both retired and serving military officers. She described the presence of the retired officers as a great honour, noting that their years of service and labour of love to the nation would never be forgotten.
Addressing the in-service personnel, she commended their courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to national security. “It is because of you that we can sleep with our eyes closed,” she said, adding that the greatest sacrifice anyone can make for a nation is the sacrifice of life.
The event reached its emotional peak with a minute of silence observed in honour of the fallen heroes. Other highlights included the launching of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem and an impressive parade displayed by the retired military officers present at the event, which added colour and dignity to the event.
The 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Ika South Local Government stood as a powerful reminder of sacrifice, and gratitude to Nigeria’s military heroes both past and present.
