…Commends Tinubu for Siting Army Base in Ekiti.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has described officers and men of the Nigerian Army as exemplars of patriotism and courage, praising their sacrifices in defending the nation’s territorial integrity, often at the cost of their lives.

Oyebanji also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the siting of the 148 Army Battalion Base in Ekiti State to strengthen security, describing the gesture as well appreciated by the people of the state.

The Governor gave the commendation on Thursday during the grand finale of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance and Celebration Day held at the Ekitiparapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti.

The ceremony featured a military parade by officers and men of the Nigerian Army, inspection of a guard of honour by the Governor and the laying of wreaths by top government officials and security chiefs in honour of fallen heroes.

Speaking at the event, Oyebanji, who was represented by his deputy, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, said the remembrance ceremony should not mark the end of Nigerians’ respect for war generals, veterans and fallen soldiers who paid the ultimate price to keep the country united.

He recalled the gallantry of the Nigerian Army during the civil war, which ended in 1970, and their continued sacrifices in tackling security challenges to promote peace and unity across the country.

According to him, Nigerians owe the fallen heroes an immeasurable debt of gratitude for laying down their lives to preserve the nation’s peace, sovereignty and global standing.

“Our fallen heroes committed their lives and paid the supreme price so that we may live in peace, pursue our aspirations and enjoy the blessings of freedom and democratic governance,” he said.

Oyebanji acknowledged the pains and sacrifices of families of the fallen heroes, commending their resilience and courage in the face of loss.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies to effectively combat insecurity and maintain the state’s relative peace.

He urged citizens to remain vigilant and provide timely and accurate information to security agencies.

The Governor charged security agencies in the state to sustain proactive policing and predictive threat detection, noting that Ekiti has been adjudged one of the most peaceful states in the country.

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Dignitaries at the event included the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye; the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi; Commander, 148 Battalion, Col. S. U. Yunusa; Chairman of the Nigerian Legion in Ekiti, Col. Abdurasaq Atoki (rtd); the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado; the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, as well as local government chairmen, security chiefs, commissioners and other top officials.