Oyibode Urges Nigerians To Sustain Support For Armed Forces As Udu Marks 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

The Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, Olorogun (Hon.) Vincent Oyibode JP, FCIA has called on Nigerians not to allow the sacrifices of the nation’s gallant soldiers to be in vain, urging continued support for the Federal Government and security agencies in the fight against insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality threatening national peace and security.

The Udu Council Boss, Oyibode made the call during activities marking the 2026 grand finale of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Udu Local Government Area today Thursday 15/01/26 at the council’s Secretariat, Otor-Udu.

The event commenced with an interdenominational open air church service where clergymen from different denominations led prayers for the repose of the souls of fallen heroes and for the comfort of their families.

Speaking at the solemn occasion the Udu Council Chairman described Armed Forces Remembrance Day as a significant national event set aside to commemorate and honour the selfless patriotism, courage and sacrifices of Nigerian soldiers who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars, peacekeeping missions, and internal security operations.

While extolling the bravery and dedication of the fallen heroes, Oyibode noted that they paid the supreme price to safeguard Nigeria’s freedom, unity and territorial integrity. He assured that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of surviving ex service men in Udu while also engaging their experience and expertise in community peace-building and conflict resolution where necessary.

Oyibode who also read the first lesson during the service stressed the need for improved collaboration among security agencies calling on them to brainstorm and share intelligence to effectively curb banditry, Boko Haram insurgency, herdsmen attacks and kidnapping across the country.

The Council Chairman further appealed to indigenes of Egiegie Community to embrace peace and accept the position of the local government regarding the leadership of the community warning that his administration would not tolerate any attempt by unscrupulous youths to plunge the area into crisis or turn it into a war zone.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Legion, Udu Chapter, Rtd. Major Wetan, described the day as one of sober reflection, calling for improved welfare packages for veterans and the families of fallen soldiers in recognition of their immense sacrifices to the nation.

Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Udu Local Government Chairman on Religious Matters, Pastor Moses Ovie who read from Joshua 1:9, encouraged surviving soldiers to remain strong bold and courageous, assuring them that their service to the nation was neither wasted nor forgotten.

Dignitaries at the event included the DESOPADEC Commissioner representing Udu, Ughelli South, Uvwie and the Urhobos of Warri, Hon. Karo Goru; the Vice Chairman of Udu Local Government, Mrs. Omojevwe Onajite Oputu; the Leader of the Udu Legislative Arm, Hon. Henry Apunu; Hon. Andrew Ekwetafia Gbise JP, Secretary to Udu Local Government Council, Mrs. Ufuoma Ajuwa, HOD Community, Supervisory Councillors, representatives of the DPO, Ovwian-Aladja Police Division; officials of the Nigeria Legion and other stakeholders.

The ceremony climaxed with the laying of wreaths at the cenotaph of the fallen heroes, the launching of the Armed Forces emblem, and the observance of a minute of silence in honour of Nigeria’s fallen heroes.

Press Unit Office of The Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Council.