Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his sustained commitment to building a strong, well-equipped and motivated Nigerian military capable of defending the nation’s sovereignty and tackling internal security threats.
Governor Fubara gave the commendation on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in Port Harcourt during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, where he praised the President for prioritising modern military equipment and improved welfare for personnel across the armed forces.
According to the governor, the Tinubu administration’s focus on capacity-building and enhanced welfare packages has boosted morale within the military and produced visible results in the fight against terrorism and other security challenges confronting the country.
“We commend our President for equipping our armed forces with the modern weapons they need and for motivating them through significantly improved salaries and other welfare packages,” Fubara said. “These efforts have translated into the visible successes recorded in the fight against Boko Haram and other associated terrorist groups.”
He assured that the Rivers State Government would continue to support the Federal Government, the armed forces and other security agencies in sustaining peace and stability, both within the state and across Nigeria.
Reflecting on the sacrifices of Nigerian troops, Fubara noted that soldiers remain deployed across different regions of the country to confront varying security challenges. He said troops are actively engaged in the North-East against Boko Haram and other insurgent groups, while also battling banditry and kidnapping in the North-West and North-Central regions, where lives have been lost and communities displaced.
The governor added that military personnel are equally active in the South-East and other parts of the southern region, tackling organised pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft and other criminal activities in the creeks and on the high seas.
Fubara described the history of the Nigerian military as one marked by deep sacrifice, recalling the lives lost during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian civil war and numerous peacekeeping missions. He noted that many soldiers have also paid the ultimate price in recent years while confronting terrorists and bandits in places such as the Sambisa forest and other battle zones.
He urged Nigerians to reflect on the legacy of the armed forces and collectively honour fallen heroes and their families, stressing that the freedoms enjoyed today are safeguarded by the sacrifices of the military.
“Today is not only a time to honour our fallen heroes, but also to appreciate our veterans and the Gold Star families who bear the weight of sacrifice,” the governor said, adding that the nation owes both fallen and serving personnel a lasting debt of gratitude.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies in Rivers State, Fubara pledged continued logistical assistance and improved welfare for members of the Nigerian Legion and their families. As part of this commitment, he directed the Secretary to the Rivers State Government to immediately commence employment processes for the children of legionnaires and fallen heroes in fulfilment of an earlier promise.
In his remarks, the Acting Chairman of the Nigerian Legion in Rivers State, ACC Kuu Aminkipo Promise, thanked Governor Fubara for sponsoring the 2026 remembrance event and for the N100 million donation from the state government, describing the gesture as exceptional.
Meanwhile, earlier, at the wreath-laying ceremony held at the Cenotaph in Isaac Boro Park, Governor Fubara inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the Nigerian Legion. He later laid a wreath alongside other dignitaries and released a pigeon to symbolise peace in honour of Nigeria’s fallen heroes.
