Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has urged Nigerians to avoid inflammatory remarks and divisive tendencies, emphasizing the importance of sustainable peace, unity, and development in the country.
The governor delivered this message during a special Interdenominational Thanksgiving Mass held in commemoration of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at Emmanuel The Saviour Catholic Church, Asaba, on Sunday. Represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Oborevwori called on citizens to emulate the sacrifices and dedication of the nation’s fallen heroes by pursuing peace, unity, and justice.
He further encouraged prayers for global peace, particularly for the peaceful resolution of ongoing conflicts such as the Israel-Palestinian crisis and the Russia-Ukraine war.
Highlighting the significance of the thanksgiving service, the governor explained that it was part of the activities marking Armed Forces Remembrance Day, a time set aside to honour the nation’s fallen heroes and legionnaires. He described the event as an opportunity for sober reflection on Nigeria’s past, present, and future.
Oborevwori lauded the bravery and courage of the armed forces, acknowledging their ultimate sacrifices in protecting the nation’s sovereignty and preserving its unity. He also reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting legionnaires, their widows, and children in various ways.
“The state government is committed to supporting the legionnaires in diverse ways. However, I urge the legionnaires to reciprocate this gesture by organising themselves and embarking on meaningful projects and programmes that will complement the government’s efforts to improve the living standards of ex-servicemen and their families,” he stated.
The governor called on leaders in positions of trust to lead with the fear of God to enable them to make the right decisions and deliver good governance to the people.
In his sermon, Monsignor John Aduba, Rector of Saint Joseph Pro Cathedral, Asaba, noted that the service was a celebration of the armed forces’ contributions and a remembrance of fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s unity.
Aduba commended the armed forces for their selfless service and urged the government and citizens to pay special attention to the needs of the families of fallen heroes.
The 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremonies will conclude on Wednesday with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph in Asaba.