Sanwo-Olu Pays Tribute to Fallen Heroes at 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Service

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has lauded the sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes and active military personnel, portraying their efforts as the bedrock of national peace and security. Delivering his remarks through Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service on January 12, 2026, he emphasized the event’s dual role in gratitude to God and solemn reflection on military valor.

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Event Details and Theme

Held at the Chapel of Christ the Light, The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, the service carried the theme “Sacrifice Remembered, Strength Renewed.” This gathering marked a key prelude to the national Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day on January 15, recently renamed by the federal government to equally honor living servicemen alongside the departed. Sanwo-Olu highlighted how uniformed personnel endure harsh conditions to protect civilians, allowing daily life to proceed uninterrupted amid threats to territorial integrity.​

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Tributes to Heroes and Families

The governor singled out fallen soldiers, sailors, airmen, and officers whose names may fade but whose legacies endure in Nigeria’s history. He extended deep solidarity to their families, recognizing their ongoing grief and fortitude, and reaffirmed Lagos State’s pledge for sustained welfare support. Special mention went to widows, with recent state initiatives like empowerment programs underscoring practical aid for those bereaved by service-related losses.

Commendation of Armed Forces Role

Sanwo-Olu praised the military’s advancing expertise in internal security, disaster management, infrastructure defense, humanitarian aid, and fostering national cohesion. He challenged all Nigerians to cultivate unity, civic duty, and respect, arguing that such solidarity bolsters defenders and preserves peace. Faith communities received a call to persist in prayers for leadership wisdom, personnel safety, and enduring stability.​

Sermon and Attendance

Lead Pastor Seyi Oladimeji of Church Management Consult delivered a sermon from Isaiah 41:10, imploring responsible living and harmony among citizens while invoking divine strength. Attendees included Armed Forces commanders, paramilitary leaders, Nigerian Legion members, Armed Forces Wives Associations, bereaved families, and other dignitaries. The event closed with prayers for the departed’s repose, families’ solace, troops’ safeguarding, and Nigeria’s perpetual peace.

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