Governor Sanwo-Olu Urges Sustained Care for Widows of Fallen Officers
- Jan 10
- 2 min read
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appealed to Nigerians to show consistent support for widows of military personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing such gestures as a vital expression of national gratitude.
The governor made the call on Friday during a special Jumu’ah prayer held at the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa, to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day. He was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
Sanwo-Olu directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to ensure that widows of fallen heroes are fully integrated into the state’s empowerment and social support programmes, noting that government intervention must go beyond symbolic gestures.
He explained that the annual remembrance provides a solemn moment to pray for departed service members, seek protection for personnel currently deployed across the country, and reaffirm commitment to the welfare of their families. According to him, caring for the families left behind is an extension of honouring the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces.
The governor said Lagos State maintains regular engagement with military families and has continued to invest in projects aimed at improving their welfare, including the renovation of barracks and other support initiatives targeted at enhancing living conditions.
Addressing broader national issues, Sanwo-Olu cautioned against linking terrorism to religion, particularly Islam, stressing that the vast majority of Muslims are peaceful and law-abiding citizens. He urged religious leaders to promote narratives that reflect shared values of peace, responsibility, and nation-building.
He also noted that while acts of terror often dominate public discourse, the efforts and successes of the military in confronting security threats deserve greater recognition. He called for increased public appreciation of the Armed Forces’ role in preserving national stability.
Highlighting long-term solutions to insecurity, the governor emphasised the role of families in shaping society. He urged parents to take moral upbringing seriously, stressing that strong values instilled at home remain critical to producing responsible citizens and a stable nation.
In a goodwill message, the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, represented by Brigadier General I.B. Sheriff, appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting and praying for the Armed Forces as they confront security challenges nationwide.
He said the Remembrance Day serves to honour fallen officers, acknowledge serving personnel, and remind citizens of the sacrifices that make everyday safety possible. He thanked the Lagos State Government and residents for their cooperation with security agencies and urged sustained collaboration.
Earlier, the Chief Imam of the Lagos Secretariat Community Mosque, Dr. Saheed Ahmad, underscored that national security is a collective responsibility. He noted that peaceful conduct, law-abiding behaviour, and strong moral values among citizens significantly reduce the burden on security agencies.
The cleric added that a secure society begins with individuals cultivating discipline, respect for life, and fear of God, arguing that inner values ultimately shape public conduct and national harmony.
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