Governor Alex C. Otti of Abia State has called on Nigerians to draw critical lessons from the nation’s turbulent past and recommit themselves to unity, peace, and responsible citizenship, as he marked the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in Umuahia.
Speaking at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Arcade, the Governor described January 15 as a date of deep historical significance, recalling the 1966 military coup and the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970. He noted that while the country’s journey since then has been marked by challenges, it has also demonstrated resilience and a collective determination to build a stronger nation.
Governor Otti warned against what he described as the dangers of “simplistic assumptions, single narratives, and damaging trust in institutions,” emphasizing that the scars of history should serve as lessons for the present and the future.
He urged Nigerians to reject extremism and violence, stressing that diplomacy, dialogue, and mutual respect remain the most effective tools for resolving differences in a diverse society.
The Governor concluded by encouraging citizens to see themselves as members of one national family, bound by shared values of justice, freedom, and fairness, while honoring the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives in service to the nation.
