By Onwa Ekor
Activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance day in Cross River, ended Thursday, with the laying of wreaths by the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, Service Commanders in the state, head of the traditional institution among others.
The event, held to celebrate the living while honouring the fallen heroes who at the course of protecting the nation’s territory lost their lives in the various world wars, the civil war and other internal peace missions including bandits attack, took place at the Millennium park cenotaph in Calabar.
The governor who spoke to newsmen shortly after the event, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of military veterans, widows and families of fallen heroes.
Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon Peter Odey, he described the event as a solemn reminder of the supreme sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces to keep Nigeria united and peaceful.
“The lesson from this ceremony,” Otu said, “is that we remember our fallen heroes, those who paid the supreme sacrifice for this country to remain one as many people do not fully understand the sacrifices these people made with their lives.
“The fact that we can sleep peacefully in this state is because of the hard work and commitment of our military officers,” he said.
The governor explained that the state government remains resolute in its support for the Armed Forces and their families in view of their invaluable contributions to national and state security
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On the welfare of widows of fallen heroes, the governor affirmed that his administration has deliberately included them in government programmes and interventions.
“All the widows are being carried along in our programmes. Even before this event, we had met with them. The Commissioner for Social Welfare has been mandated to ensure that they are included in everything that we do,” Otu stated.
State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Cross River Command, Comrade Daniel Ojugbo, described the ceremony as a mark of honour for fallen heroes and a moment of reflection on the challenges faced by veterans and their families.
He listed some of the challenges to include delayed welfare benefits, poor access to medical care for aged and bedridden veterans, and the plight of widows and orphans, many of whom remain unemployed despite completing higher education.
He however applauded the governor for his supportive disposition, noting that the current administration has shown genuine concern for the Legion and its members.
“With the look of things, this present administration in the state is trying for us, and we appreciate the support we have received so far,” Ojugbo said.
For the Coordinator of Military Widows in the state, Mrs. Miriam Orok, she expressed gratitude to the governor for improved treatment and inclusion of widows under his administration.
“Since the coming of Governor Bassey Otu, things are different as he has been carrying us along, and we are very grateful,” she said.
Orok also appreciated the First Lady of the state, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, for her compassion, recalling that military widows were honoured and supported with food items and gifts during the last Christmas season.
“Even last December, the wife of the governor honoured us and gave us many goodies to share with our children.
“We pray that Almighty God will bless them and continue to give them the grace to lead our state now and in the future,” she added.
The event featured prayers, reveille, signing of the register, releasing of pigeons and the traditional 21 gun salute, in recognition of the sacrifices and contributions to national peace and security by the living and fallen heroes.
