The Aniocha North Local Government on Thursday, January 15, 2026, joined Nigerians across the country to commemorate this year’s Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, with the Executive Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the welfare of ex-servicemen and the dependants of fallen heroes.
The grand finale of the week-long activities took place at the Local Government Council Field, Issele-Uku, and attracted top government functionaries, traditional rulers, security agencies, members of the Nigerian Legion and the general public.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Chinye described the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day as a solemn moment to honour the courage, patriotism and sacrifices of Nigerian soldiers who paid the supreme price in defense of the nation’s unity and territorial integrity.
“This occasion presents us with ample opportunity to demonstrate profound appreciation for the unquantifiable sacrifices of our veteran soldiers who laid down their lives so that the rest of us may live in peace,” the Chairman said. “It also behoves on us as citizens to continually embrace peace, tolerance and harmonious coexistence as a way of immortalising these heroes and heroines.”
The Chairman noted that the celebration was not only about celebrating and remembering the fallen, but also about supporting living veterans, many of whom are incapacitated, as well as widows and orphans left behind. He disclosed that his administration had begun the implementation of a promised monthly stipend for members of the Nigerian Legion, Aniocha North Chapter.
“My administration, in line with empathy, has started implementing the last year’s promised monthly stipend to members of the Nigerian Legion, Aniocha North Chapter, and will also continue to contribute to the Emblem Appeal Fund,” Hon. Chinye assured.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Major Nwani (Rtd), commended the Council Chairman and other stakeholders for their continued support to ex-servicemen. He urged members of the public to donate generously and purchase remembrance emblems to help alleviate the suffering of veterans and the dependants of fallen soldiers.
“These gallant heroes served in world wars, local wars, the Nigerian civil war and in the fight against banditry. Some paid the supreme price in the bid to save lives,” Major Nwani said.
The event was attended by the Vice Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Nneka Clara Dibia; the APC Chairman in Aniocha North, Sir Matthew Chinye; the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Raphael Uzor; councillors; members of the Executive Council; and heads of departments.
Traditional rulers at the ceremony included the Obi of Issele-Uku, His Royal Majesty Agbogidi Obi Nduka, JP, MNSE, and the Obi of Idumuje-Unor, His Royal Majesty Obi Charles Anyasi III.
Security agencies were also well represented, with representation from the Nigerian Army’s 63 Brigade, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, Immigration Service, NSCDC, Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Coordinator of Vigilante Groups in Aniocha North in attendance.
Highlights of the ceremony included an open-air interdenominational service officiated by leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Muslim Imam, inspection of the Guard of Honour by the Executive Chairman, a parade led by the Parade Commander, WO John Osu (Rtd), the launching of the Emblem Appeal Fund, and a 21-gun salute in honour of the fallen heroes.
Hon. Chinye expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, security agencies and all participants for honouring the invitation, while wishing members of the Nigerian Legion a happy celebration and continued divine blessings.
