The Commander Corps of Artillery (CCA), Major General John Olusegun Adeyemo, has assured that the sacrifices of fallen Nigerian military heroes will not be in vain, as the Armed Forces continue to uphold national unity and security.
Adeyemo gave the assurance on Sunday during an Interdenominational Service held at St. Andrew’s Military Church, Kontagora, as part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD).
“Our fallen heroes did not lay down their lives in vain. Their sacrifices remain the foundation upon which our resolve to defend the nation stands,” the CCA said.
The church service followed Juma’at prayers earlier held at the Cantonment Mosque, where prayers were offered for national peace, unity and divine guidance for the country. Both religious activities formed part of the official programme for the 2026 AFCRD.
While delivering the goodwill message of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, NAM, Adeyemo charged military personnel to remain committed, professional and resolute in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, especially in what he described as a “media-sensitive and complex operating environment.”
He reiterated the critical role of the Nigerian Army in preserving the country’s unity, stressing that national cohesion must remain a collective priority.
“As we honour our fallen heroes and celebrate the contributions of veterans and serving personnel, we must keep the unity of our motherland in sharp focus,” he said. “Only by doing so can we effectively confront the challenges of national security and regional stability.”
In his sermon, the Roman Catholic Chaplain, Captain Reverend Father Victor Owah, reflected on the 2026 AFCRD theme, “Valour, Sacrifice and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes,” drawing lessons from Joshua Chapter 1, verses 1 to 7.
Father Owah emphasised that valour, sacrifice and commitment are essential for national progress, urging Nigerians to promote unity and peace starting from the home front.
“Unity and peace must begin with us as individuals and families if we are to strengthen national security,” he said.
Intercessory prayers were offered for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other Service Chiefs, and military commanders at all levels, seeking divine guidance and success in the year 2026.
The service featured praise and worship sessions, songs by various groups, and concluded with a group photograph.
