…doles N10m
By Onwa Ekor
Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the Armed Forces as well as the families of fallen heroes, assuring them of his administration’s resolve to boost their welfare.
Speaking at the interdenominational service held at Christ The King Chaplaincy, 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Calabar, the governor, Prince Bassey Otu , represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, noted that the bravery of the fallen heroes and those still alive cannot be allowed to die, without being honoured.
He acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, commending his leadership, even as he reassured Nigerians of continued commitment to national security.
Otu described the gathering as multifaceted—serving as a moment of commiseration with families and widows of fallen heroes, a thanksgiving to God for life, and an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the government and the Armed Forces in the State.
Urging Nigerians not to lose faith in the country, the governor emphasized that despite current challenges, Nigeria would overcome its security trials through resilience, unity and confidence in the Armed Forces.
“Our Armed Forces have faced difficult moments in the past and prevailed. This is not the time to give up. With God on our side, we will win,” Otu assured.
He noted that in assumption as the governor, he inherited a state once threatened by insecurity but, through effective collaboration with the military, police and other security agencies, Cross River has emerged as one of the safest states in the country.
He attributed this achievement to the dedication and sacrifices of security personnel, assuring them of his continued concern for their welfare, including sustained improvements to barracks and other security formations across the state.
The governor also offered prayers and words of comfort to the families of fallen heroes, assuring them of divine consolation and the government’s solidarity.
“To the widows and families, God Himself remains the greatest comforter. Peace will never depart from your homes, and help will rise for you in your time of need,” he said.
The governor further announced a donation of N10 million for the event.
Earlier, the Commander of 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Patrick Alimikhena, who read the message of the Chief of Defence Staff, paid glowing tribute to fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of Nigeria’s peace and unity.
Quoting from the Gospel of John 15:13, the message described their sacrifice as the highest form of love, while also honouring serving personnel who continue to protect the nation from challenging conditions.
The Chief of Defence Staff also recognised the sacrifices of widows, children and families of fallen heroes, praying for divine comfort, strength and enduring peace for them and the nation at large.
In a homily delivered by the Acting Assistant Director Chaplain Services (protestant) 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army Calabar, Captain D L Wala, he likened Goliath as the security challenges bedevilling the nation and hindering the people from travelling from one place to another at will, and David as the security agencies fighting the enemies of the nation.
Wala charged the Armed forces and entire Nigerians never to lose heart as their labour can never be in vain.
The Military Clergy who took his text from 1 Samuel 17: 32 with the theme, “Nigerians, let no one lose heart,” reasoned that to bring down the enemies of the country, there was need to put God first, remain United, get support from government and never forget the sacrifice of the fallen heroes.
The interdenominational service which saw the Speaker taking the first reading and the 13 Brigade Commander taking the second reading, concluded with prayers for the Armed Forces, national leaders and Nigeria’s continued peace and stability.
The event was well attended by the Chief Judge of Cross River, Justice Akon Ikpeme, Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, the Chief of Staff to the governor, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang and the Special Adviser to the governor on General Duties, Chief Ekpenyong Akiba, among others.
