Otti salutes Armed forces, veterasaying, says ‘your sacrifices will not be taken for granted’ 

Imo Thomas -Umuahia.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has assured veterans and serving members of the armed forces that his administration will not take their sacrifices for granted.

Governor Otti gave the assurance over the weekend and during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Church Service held at Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Aguiyi Ironsi Layout Umuahia.

 He pledged his administration’s unwavering commitment to honoring their sacrifices and vital role in safeguarding the Nation.

The Governor, who paid tribute to veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces, acknowledged their sacrifice, bravery, and dedication in service to the nation.

He also recalled the tragic cases of armed forces personnel who were brutally murdered in the State while performing their duties and vowed that the State Government would honor their memory and ensure that the sacrifices were not taken for granted.

“We want to thank those who ensure we sleep with our eyes closed, we cannot take your sacrifices for granted. 

“There is nothing we can do that will be too much for these heroes of our time”, Otti stated. 

The Governor used the opportunity to thank Abians for their support of his administration and pledged that his Government would continue to deliver democracy dividends to the people. 

He noted that irrespective of negative propaganda from the opposition, his administration remains focused on the mandate given to him by the people.

Governor Otti used the opportunity to charge the people of the State to remain vigilant and disregard those he described as pretending to be fighting for democracy.

“I want to charge all of us that this is the time for us to remain vigilant because if you say that the Egyptians you see today, you won’t see them anymore as the Bible says, it doesn’t mean you should go to sleep. Otherwise, the Egyptians would like to come back. 

“So you have to permanently sack them and it is not for me to do, it is for you to do. Power belongs to the people. God won’t come down from heaven; He will use you as he has always used you. 

“So, all the people who are pretending to be fighting for democracy today when they have been asleep in the last 24 to 25 years, I think we need to keep them permanently asleep”, Otti instructed.

Earlier in a sermon titled; “The Captain of the Host of Heaven,” the President Abia North Central Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Pastor Kennedy Iheoma, paid tribute to the fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the nation’s peace and unity.

Pastor Iheoma, who took his text from Joshua 5: 13 -15, reflected on the encounter between Joshua, the Israelites, and the people of Jericho and emphasized that faith and trust in God is the ultimate.

He called on members of the armed forces to trust and acknowledge God’s supreme authority to overcome every challenge in life, pointing out that God cannot share his Glory with anyone.

The 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Church Service was attended by the Wife of the Governor, Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilia Otti, among other dignitaries, and prayers were featured for members of the Armed Forces and members of the State Executive Council, among others.