Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has challenged the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) to significantly increase its financial commitment towards the welfare of families of fallen and retired members of the Armed Forces, urging its leadership to triple earlier pledges made in support of the Nigerian Legion.
The governor made the call on Tuesday during the Emblem Appeal Launch marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
He stressed that contributions to the annual appeal should reflect genuine appreciation for the sacrifices of military personnel who gave their lives in defence of Nigeria’s unity and stability.
Fubara described the theme of the event, “Sacrifice and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes,” as timely, noting that remembrance must go beyond ceremonial activities to include tangible support for those left behind.
“These are people who made sacrifices for the unity of this country,” the governor said. “the least we can do is to appreciate them, not just by coming here annually for the emblem launch.”
Addressing the ALGON chairman directly, Fubara urged him to redeem outstanding pledges, even if not immediately, and to improve on them substantially.
He suggested that previous commitments should attract interest and be increased to accommodate additional contributions, estimating that about N100 million ought to be raised before the close of the event.
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The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of military veterans and their families, including an earlier pledge to employ 50 children of fallen soldiers in the state.
He asked the Nigerian Legion to forward the names of the beneficiaries, assuring that the state government would act promptly once the required documentation was submitted.
Fubara further noted that the Rivers State Government had continued to support the Nigerian Legion, expressing satisfaction that the construction of a secretariat for the body was ongoing and expected to be completed by the end of next year.
He urged individuals, organisations and stakeholders to make realistic pledges they could fulfil within a reasonable time, emphasising that the true essence of the remembrance event lies in sustained care for families of fallen heroes and those still bearing the scars of the nation’s survival.
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