Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo, on Thursday, donated N600 million to support injured servicemen and families of fallen heroes in appreciation of their service to the nation.

Mr Uzodimma made the donation during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration in Owerri.

He said that their patriotism and sacrifice helped to secure the country against external aggression and internal revolt.

“These are the brave souls, who put their lives on the line daily, so that we may sleep in peace,” he said. 

The governor lauded the courage and devotion of the fallen servicemen and women, the resilience of those still in service and the sacrifice of veterans.

“From the trenches of the Great Wars to the thick of the civil war, to modern battlefields, where they confront terrorism and banditry, our military remains the unbreakable spine of Nigeria.

“We celebrate the living heroes, who are currently defending our territorial integrity.

“We remember those who paid the supreme price to keep this country safe and united,” Uzodimma said.

He said that his administration remained committed to the welfare of veterans.

“We will ensure that the families of our fallen heroes never walk alone,” he said.

According to him, the calm currently being enjoyed in the state was a direct result of the synergy between my administration, the Armed Forces, and other security agencies.

He said that the newly inaugurated 7,000 operatives of the state vigilance organisation was designed to work in tandem with military and sister agencies as “partnership of necessity”.

“We have proven that when the professional soldier and the community sentinel work together, crime has no hiding place,” he said.

The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for his decisive action in rejigging the national security architecture.

“By going all out to confront insecurity and re-designating all non-state armed groups as terrorists, the President has granted our Armed Forces and security services the necessary latitude to combat criminal elements with total resolve.

“His commitment to strengthening collaboration with international partners ensures that terrorists have no place to hide,” he said.

He pledged to continue to provide security forces with tools and intelligence they needed to succeed, especially in the state.

He urged Nigerians to support the troops and “see them as heroes who deserve to be celebrated”.

The governor appealed to youths in the state to participate in the enlistment processes for the security forces and police.

Beneficiaries of the governor’s largesse were drawn from the army, Air Force, navy, police, SSS and vigilance organisation. 

(NAN)