Fallen Heroes: Sanwo-Olu salutes unseen sacrifices behind Nigeria’s Peace
A cross section of the military and others at the event
Sanwo-Olu praised the enduring pain and resilience of the military.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday paid glowing tribute to Nigeria’s Armed Forces, describing their service as a sacred calling rooted in courage, discipline and sacrifice.
The governor spoke at the 2025 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Thanksgiving Service held at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Lagos, where he urged Nigerians to reflect on the unseen cost of peace and the responsibility of national unity.
“Today, we gather in the presence of God with hearts full of gratitude, humility, and remembrance,” Sanwo-Olu said, adding that “This service is both a thanksgiving and a sacred pause, a moment to honour courage, to remember sacrifice, and to acknowledge the unseen cost of peace.”
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, noted that the freedoms citizens enjoy daily are sustained by men and women who remain on constant guard.
“Every day we wake up to normal routines, travel freely, worship openly, and live without fear, someone somewhere is standing guard. Someone is watching the night so others can sleep,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu thanked God for preserving the nation and commended soldiers, sailors, airmen and officers for operating in difficult and dangerous conditions to keep the country safe.
“Their duty goes beyond profession; it is a calling rooted in discipline, courage, and service,” he stated.
The governor also remembered fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, invoking scripture to underscore their legacy.
Quoting John 15:13, he said: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for others. That truth lives in the legacy of our fallen heroes.”
Addressing families of the deceased, Sanwo-Olu acknowledged their enduring pain and resilience.
“Your sacrifice is equally profound. You carried the weight of absence, uncertainty, and loss with dignity. The nation owes you more than words; it owes you honour, care, and enduring support. We stand with you, and we commit never to forget,” he assured.
He observed that Nigeria’s Armed Forces have grown in professionalism, training and coordination, playing critical roles beyond combat, including disaster response, humanitarian support, protection of infrastructure and promotion of regional stability.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that remembrance should inspire unity among citizens, warning that division weakens national defence.
“A nation divided weakens its defenders. A nation united strengthens its peace,” he said, adding that the church must continue to pray for peace, wisdom in leadership and protection for security personnel.
He also paid tribute to veterans, describing them as pillars whose experience and example remain invaluable.
“A grateful nation does not discard its veterans; it learns from them and supports them,” the governor said.
