Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has commended the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing their dedication and commitment to the nation as deserving of celebration.
He made this remark during an interdenominational thanksgiving service held at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Chapel, Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, to commemorate the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
In his address, Governor Otti praised members of the Nigerian Legion and the entire armed forces for their bravery and selflessness in protecting the nation.
“The truth about it is that it is not easy to make sacrifices. You sign up for a job and know that the chances of dying are 50-50. For you to have taken that decision, you deserve to be celebrated, and today we celebrate you,” Governor Otti said.
The Governor also used the occasion to reassure members of the Nigerian Legion and their families of his administration’s commitment to their welfare. He directed the Special Adviser on Security to work with the leadership of the Nigerian Legion to identify ways to improve their living conditions.
“So, today we are not just remembering; we are also celebrating you—the indefatigable men and women of our armed forces—for the day and night you spend on duty to ensure that we sleep with our two eyes closed,” Otti added.
Governor Otti also addressed the ongoing strike by judiciary workers in the state, clarifying issues related to their salaries. He revealed that his administration had remitted N283.2 million to the judiciary on December 24, 2024, to cover their salaries and had subsequently approved an additional N27 million to bring the total to over N300 million, along with provisions for a thirteenth-month salary.
“Yesterday, I saw in the newspapers that the Nigerian Bar Association advised me to pay judiciary workers. This is a government that does not owe workers. Interestingly, as of this morning, they have refused to pay their workers. Now, the judiciary is an independent arm of government. Our job is to remit the money to their account, and their job is to pay their workers,” Otti explained.
The Governor emphasized that his administration had acted in good faith to address the matter and urged judiciary leadership to ensure the funds are disbursed promptly.
State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Captain Ekekwe Duroha (Rtd.), expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honor fallen heroes and celebrate the contributions of active servicemen and women. He highlighted the immense sacrifices made by the armed forces and urged continued support and prayers for them.
In a sermon titled “Fear Not; For I am with You,” the Administrator of the FMC Chaplaincy, The Very Rev. Ernest Onyeukwu, praised the courage and resilience of the armed forces. He encouraged Christians to trust in God for strength in overcoming life’s challenges.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti; Deputy Governor Chief Ikechukwu Emetu and his wife; Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa and his wife; members of the State Executive Council; the State Chief Judge, Justice Lilian Abai; service chiefs; members of the Nigerian Legion and their families; and other notable Abians.
The thanksgiving service marked a solemn yet celebratory occasion, reinforcing the commitment to honor the sacrifices of the armed forces while addressing critical governance issues in the state.
