FIC Report (Benue State) – Makurdi — The Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Chief Hyacinth Alia, on Thursday led the people of Benue State and the nation in honouring Nigeria’s fallen and serving military heroes during the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day held at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Square, Makurdi, on January 15, 2026.
The Governor was joined by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Sam Ode; members of the State Executive Council; the Speaker and members of the Benue State House of Assembly; top judicial officers; traditional rulers; service chiefs; veterans, and other stakeholders at the solemn national event.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Governor Alia laid the first wreath, followed by the Deputy Governor; the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. QS Berger Alfred Emberga; the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse; the Och’Idoma, Dr. John Elaigwu Odogbo; representatives of the Nigerian Legion; and heads of security agencies.
The Governor thereafter signed the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Anniversary Register and inspected the Guard of Honour mounted by security personnel.
In his address, Governor Alia paid glowing tribute to officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing them as courageous patriots whose sacrifices have continued to preserve the unity, peace, and territorial integrity of the nation. He noted that the celebration serves both as a moment of remembrance for fallen heroes and recognition of the bravery and dedication of serving personnel.
The Governor emphasized that Nigeria must remain one indivisible nation in honour of those who laid down their lives in defence of peace and national sovereignty. He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to supporting security agencies and improving the welfare of military personnel and their families, particularly the families of fallen heroes.
Governor Alia also called on citizens to continue supporting the Armed Forces through moral encouragement, cooperation, and care for veterans and bereaved families, noting that national security is a collective responsibility.
Special prayers were offered by Christian and Muslim clerics for the Armed Forces, the nation, and lasting peace. The ceremony also featured a symbolic twenty-one-gun salute and the release of white pigeons to signify peace and hope for Benue State and Nigeria.
Activities marking the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day began earlier with Juma’at prayers at the Central Mosque, Makurdi, on January 8, 2026, and an interdenominational Christian service held at Deeper Life Bible Church, High Level, Makurdi, on January 11, 2026.
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, observed annually on January 15, honours Nigerian military personnel who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping missions, and internal security operations. It also celebrates veterans and serving officers while providing an avenue to mobilize support for military families.
Dignitaries at the event included members of the Executive Council, legislators, party leaders, members of the Military Widows Association, Officers’ Wives Associations, and the general public. The event also featured a free medical outreach and refreshments for participants.
Signed:
Irene Iveren Onehi
Head of Centre
Federal Information Center
Makurdi
