By Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye, has paid glowing tribute to fallen Nigerian soldiers, describing their sacrifice as the foundation upon which the nation’s peace, unity and sovereignty rest.
Aribasoye spoke on Wednesday after participating in the Armed Forces Remembrance Day parade and wreath-laying ceremony held at the Ekiti Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, to honour officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces who lost their lives in the line of duty.
According to him, the annual ceremony serves as a solemn reminder of the courage, selflessness and patriotism displayed by the nation’s fallen heroes.
“This occasion gives us the opportunity to reflect deeply on the bravery and unwavering commitment of the men and women of our Armed Forces who paid the ultimate price in the service of our country,” the Speaker said.
He noted that the peace and stability enjoyed by Nigerians today were secured through enormous personal sacrifices, stressing that the nation owes a lasting debt of gratitude to the fallen heroes.
“Their sacrifices remain a constant reminder that the freedoms and stability we enjoy today were secured at great personal cost. As a people and as a nation, we are duty-bound to remember, honour and uphold the values for which they stood,” Aribasoye added.
The Speaker further urged Nigerians to allow the memories of the fallen heroes to inspire renewed commitment to patriotism, unity and responsible citizenship.
“May their service continue to inspire our collective commitment to patriotism, unity and responsible citizenship. We must never forget those who laid down their lives for the peace and sovereignty of Nigeria,” he said.
Aribasoye also offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the fallen soldiers and for divine protection for personnel currently serving across the country.
“We remain grateful for their sacrifice, and we pray for the repose of the souls of our fallen heroes, as well as strength and protection for those who are still serving our nation with honour,” he said.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is marked annually to honour members of the Armed Forces who died during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping missions and ongoing internal security operations