Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians and leaders at all levels to recommit to building a nation worthy of the sacrifices made by fallen members of the Armed Forces.
Obi made the call in a statement shared on his verified X handle on Thursday to mark the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed in honour of military personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The former Anambra State governor described the day as a solemn reminder of the courage, selflessness and patriotism of soldiers who stood on the frontlines to protect the country, often at the cost of their own lives.
“On this solemn day of Armed Forces Remembrance, we honour those who laid down their lives in service to our nation. This annual event serves as a reminder for us to recommit ourselves to being a country worthy of their sacrifice,” he said.
Obi noted that the legacy of fallen soldiers lives on in the hearts of the people they protected, describing them as heroes who endured harsh conditions to safeguard the nation’s peace and security.
“We are told that a soldier’s true grave is not in the earth, but in the hearts and minds of those they protected, those who slept peacefully while their heroes stood guard,” he stated.
According to Obi, the most meaningful way to honour the fallen is for citizens and leaders alike to pursue peace, justice and national progress through purposeful leadership.
“Perhaps the most fitting tribute we can pay these heroes is to live lives that promote peace and progress and provide leadership that gives hope to the hopeless,” he added.
He also extended his thoughts to the families of fallen soldiers, acknowledging the deep and enduring personal loss they continue to bear.
“For the families of these fallen heroes, today is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of an empty chair and a voice that is no longer heard,” Obi said, assuring them that the sacrifices of their loved ones would never be forgotten.
Obi concluded by praying for the repose of the souls of the fallen and called for sustained national gratitude for their service.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day is marked annually on January 15 to honour Nigerian military personnel who died during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping missions, and ongoing internal security operations.
