Amb. Isola Hails Military At Armed Forces Remembrance Day Church Service

Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola has saluted the Nigerian Military for their steadfast role in defending the country and safeguarding its unity.

He gave the commendation at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, on Sunday, January 11, 2025, while speaking with journalists after joining Ogun State top government officials, traditional rulers, leaders of thought and other dignitaries at the Church Service for the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.

Ambassador Isola gave appraisal of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, acknowledging their sacrifices in defending the nation’s peace, unity and territorial integrity. He situated Nigeria’s military history within the broader context of global sacrifice, recalling their participation in the First World War and the Second World War, where nations learnt, the value of unity and peaceful co-existence. He further reflected on the role of Armed Forces in bringing the Nigerian Civil War to an end. He also acknowledged their relentless participation in banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and other internal security challenges.

Isola stressed that remembrance is not merely ceremonial but instructive, urging leaders and citizens alike to draw wisdom from history in confronting contemporary security challenges. He prayed for the reposed of the souls of the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria who lost their lives in wars and other security challenges.

Isola also admonished Nigerians to see security as a shared responsibility, calling on Nigerians to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by promptly providing credible intelligence. He reminded Nigerians that, national security thrives best when patriotism is practiced not only by those in uniform but also by civilians who value peaceful, and lawful coexistence.

The former Secretary to the Ogun State Government concluded his remarks with heartfelt prayers for Nigeria, Ogun State, Armed Forces and all Nigerians, invoking divine guidance, protection and unity.

Others at the church service, apart from Ambassador Isola, were
the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who represented Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun; the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Daisi Olusegun Victor Elemide; the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu; the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Oresanya; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Oluwatoyin Emmanuel Taiwo; Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, party leaders, as well as past and serving political appointees.

Equally in attendance were the Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Dr. Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, represented by the Onimeko of Imeko and the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo CFR, Okukenu IV, graced the service in person.

Also present were the former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Chief Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, former Speaker and current Chairman of the Ogun State House of Assembly Service Commission Rt. Hon. Surajudeen Adekunmbi, former Heads of Service, and members of the Ogun State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria led by its Chairman, Hon. Dr. Folasade Adeyemo.

The Chairman of the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Legion, Veteran Maryam Adebayo Akinola, attended with other security chiefs and veterans, while families of fallen heroes sat in quiet dignity.

The sermon was delivered by Ven. Dr. S. K. Popoola, JP, of Christ Chapel of Grace and Mercy.

In her goodwill message, the Deputy Governor, Engr Salako-Oyedele conveyed the heartfelt appreciation of Governor Dapo Abiodun CON to officers and men of the Armed Forces, past and present, for their unwavering commitment to the defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty. She described the Remembrance Day as a sacred reminder that peace is purchased at a high price and must be protected with collective responsibility.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor, she commended the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly its focus on strengthening national security, boosting the morale of security agencies and restoring confidence in the ability of the state to protect lives and property.