Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has paid tribute to Nigeria’s Armed Forces, lauding their courage, discipline, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation.
The governor made the remarks during the 2025 Armed Forces Celebration and Thanksgiving Service at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, where he called on Nigerians to reflect on the unseen sacrifices required to maintain peace and national cohesion.
Represented at the service by Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, he highlighted the role of service members who ensure citizens live freely and safely, “Today, we gather with gratitude in our hearts, to honour bravery, remember sacrifice, and recognise the hidden cost of the peace we enjoy”.
“Every day we go about our lives – working, worshipping, moving about without fear – because someone is watching over us, guarding our nights so we can rest in peace”, he noted.
The governor expressed appreciation for soldiers, sailors, airmen, and officers who operate under challenging and dangerous conditions. He described their work as more than a profession, calling it a calling rooted in service, courage and discipline.
Sanwo-Olu also paid homage to fallen heroes, quoting John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for others and acknowledging the families left behind. “Your endurance through loss and uncertainty is a profound sacrifice. The nation owes you care, honour, and support”, he said.
Highlighting the Armed Forces’ growing professionalism, he emphasized their contributions beyond combat, including disaster response, humanitarian efforts, infrastructure protection, and regional stability.
The governor stressed that national unity strengthens security, while division undermines it. “A united nation empowers its defenders. A divided one weakens them”, he warned.
Sanwo-Olu concluded by celebrating veterans, describing them as pillars whose experience and guidance remain invaluable to the country. “A grateful nation honours and learns from its veterans”, he said.
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