By Onwa Ekor, Calabar
As Cross River holds inter-denominational service in commemoration of the 2025 Armed forces remembrance day, the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has charged the citizenry and in extension Nigerians, to remain committed to the value of sacrifice, service and unity.
Otu who gave the charge at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Navy Barracks, Akim in Calabar Municipality venue of the event, maintained that the task was imperative as veterans need to be supported so that their sacrifices don’t end when they leave the battle field.
Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the governor noted that families of the veterans deserve unwavering support, respect and care for the rest of their lives, considering the value of sacrifice, service and unity which they fought for.
“As we commemorate the 2025 Armed forces remembrance day, it is a profound reminder of the sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform for the peace and unity of our nation.
“Today, we honour the heroes of the past and present, those who fought during the Nigerian civil war, the two world wars and those currently engaged in the battle against insurgency including the fight against Boko haram.
“They laid down their lives to protect our sovereignty while ensuring our freedom and maintenance of peace,” Otu remarked.
To CrossRiverians, the governor enjoined all to be models of harmony and progress in line with the sacrifices of the Armed forces who laboured to build a future where peace and justice prevail.
Earlier, the officiating Priest, Rev. Fr Raphael Adelana, who spoke on the topic, “How to truly honour our fallen heroes,” admonished the nation’s Armed forces to work towards avoiding unnecessary wars.
According to him, “we must be more kinetic to approach of wars, make conscious efforts to avoid wars and conflicts that leads to deaths of our brothers and sisters.”
Adelana reasoned that wanton loss of lives, hard drugs, greed and corruption were ravaging the society hence the need to understand that the nation needs peace to prosper.
The deputy governor took the first reading while the speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, took the second reading at the event which featured intercessory prayers, music by Nigeria Navy Catholic women and a special thanksgiving led by the deputy governor, Rt. Hon Peter Odey, accompanied by service commanders and members of the Armed forces including veterans.
