Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called for a decisive shift from symbolic remembrance ceremonies to concrete, year-round support for Nigeria’s veterans and the families of fallen heroes, announcing a ₦100 million donation to the Nigerian Legion to underscore his administration’s commitment.
The Governor made the pledge on Tuesday at the 2026 Emblem Appeal Launch held at Government House, Port Harcourt, where he doubled the state’s 2025 contribution to the Legion.
He stressed that honouring those who fought to preserve Nigeria’s unity must go beyond annual emblem launches to deliberate policies and sustained welfare interventions.
Fubara said remembrance should translate into tangible improvements in the lives of surviving veterans and dependants of the fallen.
“It should go beyond coming here annually to do the emblem launching. It should go beyond that to support those who are still alive and appreciate the dead ones through any other means we can,” he stated.
Addressing concerns over an earlier pledge to employ 50 children of veterans, the Governor clarified that the delay was due to procedural requirements, not a policy reversal.
He urged the Nigerian Legion to submit the necessary list, assuring that action would follow immediately upon receipt.
The Governor also expressed satisfaction with the ongoing construction of the permanent Nigerian Legion State Secretariat in Rivers State, pledging that the project would be completed before the end of 2026.
He further appealed to individuals and organisations to redeem their pledges promptly to ensure uninterrupted welfare support for veterans.
In a welcome address, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, described Fubara—son of a soldier—as a steadfast ally of the military community, noting that his support reflected a deep understanding of the sacrifices made by service personnel.
He quoted the familiar refrain: “We don’t know them all, but we owe them all.”
Earlier, Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Rivers State Command, ACG Kuu Aminikpo Promise, commended the Governor for his consistent support, particularly the construction of the State Secretariat, which he described as a landmark intervention for the organisation.
The emblem launch signals the commencement of activities ahead of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day on January 15, reaffirming Rivers State’s resolve to move veterans’ welfare from ceremonial acknowledgement to sustained, all-year care.
