Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has called on Nigerians to embrace dialogue and abstain from inflammatory rhetoric and divisive tendencies in honour of fallen heroes and legionnaires.
Governor Oborevwori made the call on Sunday January 12 2025, during a special interdenominational thanksgiving mass in commemoration of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at Emmanuel The Saviour Catholic Church, Asaba.
Governor Oborevwori who was represented by his Deputy Sir Monday Onyeme, said Nigerians owes it as a duty to the fallen heroes and the nation to emulate their examples of sacrifice and commitment, and pursue the path of peace, unity, and justice.
He also urge all not to forget to pray for global peace at this time, especially for the peaceful resolution of the Israel-Palestinian war and the Russia-Ukraine war.
"Today’s thanksgiving service is the penultimate event of the week-long activities to commemorate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, a day set aside to honour our fallen heroes and legionnaires. "This church service offers us the opportunity for sober reflection on the past, present, and future of our beloved country. Many of our compatriots paid the ultimate price to protect our national sovereignty and preserve the unity of the country. "Their surviving colleagues, members of the Nigerian Legion, are still grappling with the harsh realities of war and conflict. We salute their bravery, courage, and abiding faith in Nigeria." Gov. Oborevwori stated.
The governor challenge all to ensure that commitment to the legionnaires as well as the widows and children of fallen heroes goes beyond the annual ritual.
According to him; "The government of Delta State is steadfast in its support of legionnaires in the state in various ways. It is expected that members of the Legion would reciprocate this gesture by organizing themselves and embarking on meaningful projects and programmes that would complement the efforts of government to improve the living standard of ex-servicemen.
"Furthermore, I urge legionnaires, as senior citizens, to always demonstrate very high ethical values and discipline in their actions and utterances."
"I thank the bishop for his inspiring sermon. I trust that all of us gathered here will take heed to his admonitions not only for the betterment of our country but for the salvation of our souls. As the Bible eloquently declares in Hebrews 9:27, “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”
"Hence, it is imperative for us all, especially those of us in leadership, to lead with the fear of God, which the Bible says is the beginning of wisdom. We need the wisdom of God to make the right choices and decisions that will deliver good governance to our people." Gov. Oborevwori stated.
The governor stated further; "this church service offers us the opportunity for sober reflection on the past, present, and future of our beloved country. Many of our compatriots paid the ultimate price to protect our national sovereignty and preserve the unity of the country."
"Their surviving colleagues, members of the Nigerian Legion, are still grappling with the harsh realities of war and conflict. We salute their bravery, courage, and abiding faith in Nigeria."
" I want to challenge us today to ensure that our commitment to these legionnaires as well as the widows and children of our fallen heroes goes beyond this annual ritual." Gov. Oborevwori said.
The governor appealed to Nigerians not to relent, noting that if they fail to identify with the aspirations of members of the Nigerian Legion the purpose of our gathering here today would be in vain.
Governor Oborevwori said, Christians have a duty and a responsibility to pray for them and take concrete actions to bring succour to them, as well as the families of the fallen soldiers.
Earlier, in a sermon, Msar John Aduba, the Rector of St. Joseph Pro Cathedral, Asaba noted that the service was to celebrate members of the armed forces that are still serving and to remember the fallen heroes who laid their lives for the nation.
According to Msar Aduba, "Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a day that we honour our country's military personnel and veterans."
"I thank you for your service to our country, our nation, this service is a call for us to reflect on the ultimate sacrifices of the fallen heroes. It is a time to express our gratitude to those who have served this country."
"By celebrating our service men and women we ensure that their legacy is never forgotten".
Msar Aduba, enjoined all to honour God by showing appreciation and gratitude to service men and woman of the nation.
"We should continue in the display of God's overwhelming love and generosity for all mankind." He said.
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