Senate President Hails Armed Forces’ Sacrifices as Pillars of Nigeria’s Progress
Senate President Hails Armed Forces’ Sacrifices as Pillars of Nigeria’s Progress
Senate President Hails Armed Forces’ Sacrifices as Pillars of Nigeria’s Progress
By Ayshatu S. Rabo
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has lauded the sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing them as the foundation upon which the nation and its citizens stand tall.
Akpabio’s remarks were delivered on his behalf by Senator Gbenga Daniel, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, during the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2025 Lecture and Art Exhibition organised by the Defence Headquarters on Tuesday in Abuja.
In his speech, titled “Building a Synergy for Development”, Akpabio emphasised the courage and dedication of the men and women of the armed forces, noting that their efforts are the backbone of the country’s progress.
“Every inch of progress and additional endurance recorded has been rewarded with the courage, sweat, and too often, the blood of the men and women of the armed forces,” he said.
The Senate President also paid tribute to the families of service personnel, describing them as “unsung heroes” for bearing the burdens of absence, uncertainty, and unwavering support.
“Your sacrifices are the foundation upon which our citizens stand tall. Nigerians owe you a debt that can never be fully repaid,” Akpabio added.
He called for a unified response to the challenges facing the nation, including insurgency, banditry, and sustainable development, stressing the importance of partnerships built on trust and mutual respect to achieve a better Nigeria.
“Our armed forces are truly exceptional, but they cannot succeed in isolation,” he said.
The lecture, titled “Armed Forces Celebration and National Development”, was delivered by retired Gen. Lucky Irabor, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff. Irabor highlighted the need for enhanced civil-military relations to foster trust between the military and the civilian population.
He urged the government to prioritise the welfare and well-being of veterans, noting that their patriotic disposition could be leveraged across various sectors of the economy.
“Veterans can serve as part of early warning systems in communities, first responders to security threats, and contributors to security policy development at the community level,” Irabor said.
He further proposed that veterans could support local law enforcement, civil defence, and emergency services, making their continued service an asset to the nation.
The event also featured an art exhibition showcasing selected works from the Nigerian Army Museum and renowned Nigerian artists. The exhibition was curated by Prof. Jerry Buhari of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, highlighting the role of art in commemorating the sacrifices and legacy of the armed forces.
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2025 served as a platform to honour the courage, resilience, and contributions of Nigeria’s military personnel, both past and present, while reinforcing the need for unity and collaboration to address the nation’s challenges.
ALSO READ: Retired Gen. Irabor Calls for Special Support for Wounded Veterans to Boost Armed Forces Morale
Senate President Hails Armed Forces’ Sacrifices as Pillars of Nigeria’s Progress