LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT REFUNDS 145 FORMER SUBSCRIBERS OF EGAN HOUSING ESTATE
admin Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for greater support for widows of the country’s fallen heroes. He admonished the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) to also ensure that the widows are incorporated in their numerous empowerment programmes.
The governor spoke after a dedicated Jumaat Service at the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja, in commemoration of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day
Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, noted that supporting the widows of fallen heroes amounts to appreciating their supreme sacrifice in laying down their lives in defense of the country.
“The Armed Forces Remembrance Day provides an opportunity to pray for the souls of fallen heroes, for the safety of those currently serving in various military operations across the country, and for the well-being of their families,” he said.
While highlighting the government’s commitment to the welfare of military families, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the state maintains regular engagements with widows of fallen heroes. According to him, the government has embarked on the renovation of military barracks and other initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions and overall welfare of military personnel and their families.
The governor however decried the tendency to associate terrorism with religion, particularly Islam, stressing that many Muslims are law-abiding citizens who contribute positively to society and the growth of the country. He urged Muslim leaders and faithful to consistently project positive narratives and values.
Sanwo-Olu also noted that while terrorist activities often receive widespread attention, the sacrifices and successes of the military in combating these threats are sometimes underreported. He therefore called for greater recognition of their efforts.
As part of long-term solutions to the country’s challenges, the governor admonisohed parents to pay closer attention to the upbringing and moral training of their children. He emphasised the importance of raising children with strong moral and godly values, noting that the family remains the foundational unit of society.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa, represented by Brig.-Gen. I. B. Sheriff, urged Nigerians to continue praying for and cooperating with the Armed Forces as they carry out their mandate of protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.
He said: “Today’s Jumu’ah prayer marks the Armed Forces Remembrance Day 2026. The essence of this occasion is to honour our Armed Forces, pray for our fallen heroes, and remember all serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“As we all know, Nigeria is faced with numerous security challenges across the geopolitical zones, and it is the Armed Forces who stand on the front lines to protect us. This sacrifice is the reason we can sleep peacefully in our homes.”
Maj-Gen. Mijinyawa also thanked the Lagos State government and residents for their continued support of the Armed Forces in the state. He urged them to sustain their prayers and cooperation with security personnel as they remain committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
Chief Imam of the Lagos Secretariat Community Mosques, Dr. Saheed Ahmad, in his admonition, described security as a collective effort that rests on every citizen. He stressed that addressing communal security challenges is not limited to men and women in uniform, ‘but it is the duty of all’.
He added: “Indeed, if every one of us takes it upon ourselves to act, speak, behave, and interact with our fellow countrymen in a safe and responsible manner, each such individual becomes one less problem for the security agencies to worry about.
“For every God-fearing and law-abiding citizen, there is one less potential criminal for the police to contend with. Likewise, for every responsible citizen who carries out their work, faith, and other endeavours in a safe and secure manner, there is one less area of concern for authorities in protecting lives and property.”
According to Imam Ahmad, when citizens cultivate a sound inner life guided by the fear of God, self-control, and respect for human life, it reflects in their actions within society. “A peaceful and secure nation can only be built when individuals first achieve peace within themselves, as inner values ultimately shape outward conduct and collective harmony,” he added.
