Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, on Wednesday joined Catholic faithful, security personnel and families of fallen servicemen at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka, for a special Thanksgiving Mass to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, paying glowing tribute to members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who laid down their lives in defence of the nation.
The solemn ceremony, held in an atmosphere of reverence and reflection, brought together senior government officials, serving and retired military officers, members of the Nigerian Legion and relatives of deceased soldiers. It served as both a spiritual observance and a national reminder of the sacrifices that have underpinned Nigeria’s unity, peace and territorial integrity over the decades.
Addressing the congregation, Governor Soludo described Armed Forces Remembrance Day as a moment of collective gratitude and sober reflection, rooted deeply in Nigeria’s history. He recalled that January 15 marks the formal end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970, a turning point that preserved the country’s unity at a great human cost.
“We remember not just those who died during the civil war, but all our servicemen and women who paid the ultimate price in the service of their fatherland,” Soludo said. “Their sacrifice is the bedrock upon which our peace and continued coexistence rest.”
The governor acknowledged the enduring pain borne by families of fallen heroes, noting that the freedoms and relative stability enjoyed by citizens today were made possible by the courage and selflessness of men and women who chose to serve the nation above personal safety.
Governor Soludo also used the occasion to commend the efforts of security agencies currently operating in Anambra State, attributing the relative peace recorded during the recent Christmas and New Year festivities to their dedication and professionalism. He noted that the large influx of Ndi Anambra who returned home for the holidays without major security incidents was evidence of improved coordination and vigilance among security operatives.
“While we sleep, these men and women are awake,” the governor said. “In Anambra, the security agencies have worked extraordinarily hard to keep us safe. We will continue to support you in whatever way we can, subject to our available resources.”
In a candid assessment of the region’s security challenges, Soludo lamented the loss of innocent lives to criminal elements operating within local communities, particularly kidnappers and armed gangs hiding in forests and bushes. He described such actors as domestic terrorists whose activities threaten social cohesion, economic life and the moral fabric of the South-East.
“These people doing kidnapping and violent crimes are our own people,” he said. “I am happy that the Federal Government has designated them as terrorists. They are the most potent threats to peace and security in the South-East, and they must be confronted decisively.”
The governor stressed that insecurity driven by criminality, rather than external aggression, posed a unique challenge because it erodes trust within communities and undermines shared values. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with federal authorities, security agencies and community leaders to eliminate criminal hideouts and restore lasting peace across the state.
The Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, who delivered a sermon that linked faith, service and sacrifice. Drawing a symbolic parallel between military service and the Christian sacrament of baptism, the bishop described both as vocations centred on saving lives and serving humanity.
“Both baptism and military service have much in common,” Bishop Ezeokafor said. “They are about giving oneself for the good of others. Those who surrender themselves to the service of the nation, much like those who commit to baptism, become instruments of God in the world.”
The bishop urged leaders at all levels to resist self-centred governance and instead prioritise the common good, noting that true leadership is measured by service, sacrifice and accountability to the people.
He also prayed for the repose of the souls of fallen soldiers and asked for divine protection, wisdom and strength for those currently serving in the armed forces and other security agencies, particularly those deployed in high-risk operations across the country.
Prayers were also offered for peace in Nigeria, unity among its diverse peoples and healing for families who have lost loved ones in conflicts, insurgency and criminal violence.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Anambra forms part of nationwide activities to honour Nigeria’s military personnel, both living and dead, who have served in various internal and external operations since independence. Beyond ceremonial observances, the day also serves as a platform to renew national commitment to the welfare of veterans and the families of fallen heroes.
As the Mass concluded, Governor Soludo reiterated that remembrance must go beyond words and ceremonies, calling for sustained support for security institutions and policies that address the root causes of violence, including unemployment, social dislocation and moral decline.
“Our duty is not only to remember but to act,” the governor said. “We must build a society where the sacrifices of our heroes are honoured by justice, security and opportunities for all.”
The event underscored the enduring bond between faith, service and nationhood, reinforcing the message that the peace enjoyed today is built on the courage and sacrifice of those who stood in harm’s way for Nigeria.
