- …we’ll restore Nigeria as the most peaceful nation in Africa – Akpabio
- …protect democracy by all means – Clergy
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to ensuring that the Armed Forces and other security agencies are adequately equipped, properly motivated, and well cared for to enable them to discharge their constitutional responsibilities effectively and professionally.
The Minister said this at an Inter-Denominational Church Service for the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) 2026, in Abuja, on Sunday.
Also in attendance were the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Olufemi Oluyede, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, as well as their spouses and senior serving and retired military and police officers.
The Minister thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering support and commitment to the welfare of the troops and their families.
“His actions speak volumes about the value he places on service and sacrifice.
“We pray that Almighty God continues to grant him wisdom, strength, and guidance as he leads our great nation,” General Musa said.
The Minister, who was the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, said that although Nigeria is passing through challenging times, he is optimistic that the country will overcome them.
The Minister also thanked members of the Armed Forces and security agencies for their resilience in keeping the country safe.
He said, “Today is a moment of worship, a moment of reflection, and a moment of remembrance. My dear brethren, we have gathered here at the National Christian Centre and in churches across the 36 states of the Federation as a people of hope and purpose, trusting in the promise of God as recorded in Jeremiah 29:11.
“We honour with deep reverence the brave men and women who paid the supreme price in service to our beloved country. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Their names are permanently etched in the history of our nation and in the hearts of grateful Nigerians.
“We also celebrate those who continue to serve with courage, loyalty, and dedication, as well as their spouses and families.”
The Minister acknowledged the sacrifices of the spouses of members of the Armed Forces and security agencies, assuring that their welfare would continue to be a top priority.
“To the spouses especially, we commend you for holding the home front with strength and dignity.
“I assure you that your welfare and well-being remain a priority, and you will not be forgotten,” he said.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, assured that the National Assembly in collaboration with the Executive, was committed and resolute in its efforts to restore Nigeria as one of the most peaceful and secure nations in Africa.
Represented by the Deputy Chief Whip, Sen. Peter Nwebonyi, Akpabio noted that the sacrifices of the members of the Armed Forces, both living and dead, being commemorated had strengthened our resolve to build a safer, stronger, and more united country.
“The blood of our fallen heroes and heroines has been, and will continue to be, the seed of our national unity, peace, and progress—just as the blood of martyrs became the seed of Christianity. Their sacrifices remain a sacred foundation upon which our collective future rests,” Akpabio said.
According to the Senate President, Nigeria is a nation of extraordinary diversity and strength, ranked among the most linguistically diverse countries in the world, where Christians, Muslims, and adherents of traditional beliefs are united under one flag and one destiny.
He emphasized that our Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, freedom of worship, and freedom of conscience.
“These freedoms are the pillars upon which our democracy stands, and they must be protected at all times,” Akpabio said.
He said that the foundation we lay today as we rebuild our nation will serve as a stepping stone for future generations to thrive, noting that history would judge us not only by our words but by our actions, as we shall be remembered for what we choose to do today.
The Senate President salutes the sacrifices of our fallen heroes, praying that God grants them eternal rest.
“We also pray for divine protection, strength, and wisdom for our officers and men of the Armed Forces, as well as other security agencies, who continue to put their lives on the line daily to safeguard the sovereignty and unity of our dear country,” Akpabio said.
In his sermon titled “Gratitude, Encouragement and Spiritual Strength,” taken from the book of 2 Chronicle 32:5–8, an evangelist, Most Rev. Uche Dan Okafor, urged the Nigerian military to stand in defence of democracy in the country by all means possible.
He also urged the military to be neutral to all parties as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections.
He said, “As I round up this sermon, I have two appeals for members of the armed forces of Nigeria. The first one is that as we approach 2027, be neutral to all parties. And the second one is, as the wind of coup is blowing across West Africa, don’t think about it.”
He appreciated the members of the military and other security agencies for their sacrifices for the nation.
He said it is because of their sacrifices that Nigerians can go about their daily activities without the fear of being molested by enemies of the state.
He urged them not to be discouraged but to continue to serve the nation with courage, adding that very soon the enemies of the state would be defeated.
The clergyman prayed that very soon the sponsors and sympathizers of terrorists, bandits, killer herdsmen, and other enemies of the state in government, in the military, and wherever they may be would be exposed.
