Fubara Orders Immediate Employment For Children Of Fallen Heroes

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered the immediate employment of children of fallen servicemen in the state as part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.

The directive was issued on Thursday during the Armed Forces Remembrance ceremony at Government House, Port Harcourt, in honour of officers who died defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, as well as those who have retired from active service.

Governor Fubara said the decision reflects the state government’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces, other security agencies, and the families of fallen heroes.

He stressed that Rivers State would continue to work closely with military formations in the state, providing logistical and welfare support to enhance their effectiveness.

The Governor disclosed that the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba has been given a clear mandate to ensure the immediate implementation of the employment directive for the beneficiaries.

Governor Fubara said the move is aimed at providing direct socio-economic support to the families of deceased servicemen and improving the welfare of members of the Nigerian Legion and their dependents.

He said, “I want to mention here that in line with our support, the secretary to the state government has been given a marching order to ensure that the employment promised by the State Government for the children of our veterans would be immediately attended to.

“This is part of our way of showing socio-economic support to the families”.

He acknowledged the continuous deployment of troops across the country, particularly in the North-East against Boko Haram and other insurgent groups, as well as in the North-West and North-Central regions where soldiers are combating banditry and kidnapping.

The Governor also referenced military operations in the South-East and South-South, including efforts to tackle pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and other security challenges on land and at sea.

He further paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, and various international peacekeeping operations, as well as those who have died in recent counter-insurgency operations across the country.

He described the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day as an opportunity for the nation to reflect on the sacrifices and enduring legacy of its military personnel, honour fallen heroes, and express gratitude to their families, veterans, and serving officers.

The Governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening the military, equipping it with modern weapons, improving personnel welfare, and addressing Nigeria’s internal security challenges.

“Let me therefore express my appreciation for our dear President, Commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Nigeria, his excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his unparalleled commitment to building a strong military that is ready to defend our sovereignty and tackle internal security challenges in this nation.

“We also commend our president for equipping our armed forces with modern weapons and also motivating the military with improved salaries and other welfare packages.” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Rivers State Chapter, Kuu Aminkipo Promise, expressed appreciation to the state government for its sustained support.

Speaking on behalf of members of the Nigerian Legion, widows, and dependents of fallen heroes, the Chairman particularly commended the Governor for the launch of the 2026 Emblem Appeal Fund with a donation of ₦100 million, describing the gesture as extraordinary and reassuring to veterans and their families.

He said, “Your Excellency sir, let me attempt to sufficiently thank you for the support we have been receiving from the River State Government since adjunction of office.

“Notably is the launching of the 2026 Emblem with the sum of N100 million.

“This extraordinary kindness of yours has renewed our hope for we neither have silver nor gold to repay you, but we pray the Almighty God to grant you wisdom and good health to enable you deliver good governance to the people of River State, ” he stressed.