Governors of Lagos and Oyo States have used the occasion of the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) to pledge unwavering support for Nigeria's military and to promise further strengthening of security for their citizens.
Lagos Honours Sacrifices, Promises Continued Backing
At a parade and wreath-laying ceremony held on January 15, 2026, Lagos State reiterated its appreciation for the armed forces. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, stated that the state government recognizes the immense sacrifices made by military personnel to keep the nation secure.
The governor maintained that Lagos would continue its annual support and is always prepared to do more to enable officers and men to perform their duties effectively. He implored them to persist in their efforts to protect lives and property, despite the significant challenges they face.
The ceremony, which Governor Sanwo-Olu led, also included a call for prayers for the nation's military. Other dignitaries who participated in laying wreaths included representatives of the Deputy Governor, the Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, Chief Judge Justice Kazeem Alogba, and heads of the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Oba of Lagos, a widow of a fallen hero, and Lagos State Commissioner of Police Olohundare Moshood Jimoh also paid their respects.
Akeem Wolimoh, Chairman of the Lagos State Nigerian Legion, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and the state government for their consistent support to military veterans over the years.
Oyo State Vows to Fortify Security Architecture
In a parallel event at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex in Adamasingba, Ibadan, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde assured residents of his administration's commitment to enhancing the state's security framework. He expressed gratitude to the armed forces for their role in securing the state and urged them not to relent.
Governor Makinde revealed that plans are underway to establish a welfare scheme for the families of five forest guards recently killed at the Oloka Village axis of the old Oyo National Park in Oriire Local Council.
He further assured that his government would continue to remember and support maimed soldiers, widows, orphans, and other dependents of fallen heroes, acknowledging that they paid the ultimate price for national safety.
Julius Alabi, the Interim Chairman of the Nigerian Legion in Oyo State, praised both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government for improving the welfare of Legion members and providing other forms of support.
A Unified Commitment to Safety and Remembrance
The events in both states underscore a shared priority between the Lagos and Oyo governments: honoring past and present military service while actively working to create a safer environment for all citizens. The pledges made go beyond ceremonial recognition, pointing to concrete plans for welfare support and architectural improvements in state security systems.
These commitments highlight the ongoing collaboration between state governments and security agencies in tackling contemporary safety challenges across Nigeria's southwestern region.
