Yobe Observes Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Leaders Reflect on Peace ,Progress

Yobe State marked the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day with a solemn ceremony at the Government House Event Centre on Thursday, honoring military personnel who lost their lives in service to the nation.

Governor Mai Mala Buni presided over the event, which featured interfaith prayers for fallen heroes, their families, and the nation.A symbolic release of white pigeons highlighted a collective hope for lasting peace a particularly resonant gesture in the Northeast, a region long impacted by insurgency.

In his address, Governor Buni reflected on the state’s journey from violence to stability. "Yobe was the second epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency. This very venue was once under their control.The relative peace we enjoy today is a testament to our combined efforts; community cooperation, local intelligence, and the gallantry of our security agencies",said Gov Buni.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to security and called for continued public collaboration. "Security is everybody’s business. Sustained peace requires every citizen to share information and support our forces," Buni added.

Also speaking at the event, Lt. Goji Birma, Chairman of the Yobe State chapter of the Nigeria Legion, praised the state’s support for veterans.

"Government intervention has been perfect. We are grateful for the administration’s partnership and that of philanthropic organizations,"he said.

Birma, however, identified funding as a persistent challenge, noting that the legion relies primarily on annual emblem sales and donations. 

He leads an organization of more than 400 members and outlined a quarterly plan of activities aimed at supporting veterans and their families.These include vocational training programs focused on widows, orphans, and the less privileged.

The ceremony served as both a tribute to past sacrifices and a reaffirmation of ongoing commitments to peace, security, and the welfare of those who have served.