Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered the immediate employment of children of fallen servicemen in the state, as part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
The directive was issued on Thursday during the remembrance ceremony held at Government House, Port Harcourt, in honour of military officers who lost their lives defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, as well as retired personnel who served the nation.
GOVERNOR’S DIRECTIVE
Governor Fubara said the decision underscores the state government’s commitment to the welfare of the Armed Forces, other security agencies, and the families of fallen heroes.
He disclosed that the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, has been given a clear mandate to ensure the immediate implementation of the employment directive.
“The secretary to the state government has been given a marching order to ensure that the employment promised by the State Government for the children of our veterans would be immediately attended to,” the governor said.
According to him, the move is aimed at providing direct socio-economic support to the families of deceased servicemen and improving the welfare of members of the Nigerian Legion and their dependents.
HONOURING SACRIFICE AND SERVICE
Governor Fubara paid tribute to Nigerian soldiers who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, and various international peacekeeping missions, as well as those killed in recent counter-insurgency operations.
He acknowledged the ongoing deployment of troops:
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In the North-East against Boko Haram and insurgent groups
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Across the North-West and North-Central regions, battling banditry and kidnapping
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In the South-East and South-South, tackling pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and maritime insecurity
He described the Armed Forces Remembrance Day as a moment for national reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to supporting military personnel and their families.
PRAISE FOR PRESIDENT TINUBU
The Rivers governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for strengthening Nigeria’s military capacity.
“We appreciate our dear President… for his unparalleled commitment to building a strong military that is ready to defend our sovereignty and tackle internal security challenges,” Fubara said.
He further praised the President for equipping the military with modern weapons and improving personnel welfare through enhanced salaries and support packages.
₦100 MILLION EMBLEM APPEAL FUND
Earlier, Kuu Aminkipo Promise, Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Rivers State Chapter, expressed gratitude to the state government for its sustained support.
Speaking on behalf of veterans, widows, and dependents of fallen heroes, he particularly praised Governor Fubara for launching the 2026 Emblem Appeal Fund with a ₦100 million donation, describing it as extraordinary and reassuring.
“This extraordinary kindness has renewed our hope… We pray the Almighty God to grant you wisdom and good health to continue delivering good governance to Rivers State,” he said.
A STRONG MESSAGE
The governor’s directive has been widely seen as a practical demonstration of gratitude, moving beyond ceremonial tributes to tangible support for families who paid the ultimate price for Nigeria’s peace and unity.
