Agbateyiniro unpacks reminder of the sacrifices of fallen heroes, wounded veterans

The Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Comr. Agbateyiniro Weyinmi Isaac, says the blood, sweat, sacrifices of fallen heroes and the resilience of wounded veterans as well as retired personnel, who continue to bear the scars of service, are powerful reminder that peace and freedom, don’t come cheaply.

Comr. Agbateyiniro, made the assertion Thursday January 15, at the Warri South Local Government Council Main Secretariat in Warri, during the grand finale of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration/ launching of Emblem.

The Warri South Local Government Boss, who recommitted to the engagement of widows of fallen heroes for the continued sanitization of Warri South Local Government Area, noted: “We gather not only to celebrate, but more importantly, to remember and honour the gallant men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces, who paid the supreme price in defence of our nation's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

Comr. Agbateyiniro Weyinmi Isaac, delivering his address

“Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to peace, remain indelibly etched in the history of our great nation.

“The launching of the Emblem Appeal Fund is therefore a clarion call to all well-meaning Nigerians, corporate bodies, institutions, and individuals to contribute meaningfully towards the welfare of our ex-servicemen and women, widows, and dependants of the fallen heroes. It is a collective responsibility we must not take lightly.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Warri South Local Government Council, I wish to specially appreciate and commend His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Delta State, for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of retired military personnel and families of fallen heroes. His humane policies, continuous support, and prompt attention to the needs of veterans in Delta State have brought renewed hope, dignity, and relief to those who sacrificed so much for our nation.

Comr. Agbateyiniro, Rt. Hon. Edafiadjebre, Hon. Esquire & other

“This compassionate leadership is worthy of emulation and sincere appreciation.

“I also extend my gratitude to the Nigerian Legion, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders, and all stakeholders who have continued to uphold the values of peace, unity, and patriotism within Warri South Local Government Area.

“As we remember our heroes today, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a society where peace, justice, unity, and mutual coexistence thrive. Let us continue to support initiatives that promote security, national cohesion, and the welfare of those who stood in harm's way for our collective good.”

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of Nigeria Legion, Warri South Chapter, Major Pius Unurhiere (Rtd.) stated: “It is also important to inform us that as insecurity is growing wider and wider daily, the numbers of widows of the fallen heroes are drastically increasing due to banditry, Terrorism and other forms of insecurity situations in the country.

Major Pius Unurhiere (Rtd.) reading his address

“The last time the executive chairman issued an instruction that some of the widows should be given an opportunity to work, but up till date none of them who actually accepted to work was given that chance to work. It is again my request that they should be carried along.”

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, who was represented by Chief Patrick Yalaju, the Ovie of Agbarha Kingdom, Warri, HRM Kingsley Orereh (Igbi II) who was represented by Chief Sylvester Udi, the Vice Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Edafiadjebre, Delta South Chairman of All Progressive Congress, Mr. Austine Oribioye, Chairman of All Progressive Congress, Warri South, Mr. Mario Owumi, Special Adviser to Governor Sheriff on Environment, Hon. Matthew Poko Opuoru, Executive Assistants to Governor Oborevwori; Hon. Omimi Esquire and Chief Vincent Okudolor, former member of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Godwin Toristeju Abigor, former Leader of Warri South Legislative Arm, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Okandeji, former Deputy Leader of Warri South Legislative Arm, Hon. Richard Pessu, Warri South Council Head of Personnel Management, Mrs. Remi Omatsuli, service chiefs as well as religious leaders, joined Warri South Local Government Council and Legionnaires to celebrate the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

L-R: Chief Vincent Okudulor, Princess (Mrs.) Misan Eke, Mrs. Remi Omatsuli & Hon. Matthew Poko Opuoru

Highpoints of the colourful ceremony, were Launching/donation of Emblem, prayer for Nigerian Legion, Departed fallen heroes and their families, prayer for the peace of Nigeria, Delta State and Warri South Local Government Area, parade by Legionnaires and members of National Youth Service Corp as well as laying of wreath.

Some members of National Council of Women Societies, NCWS, present

The Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Comr. Agbateyiniro, Vice Chairman of Warri South, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Edafiadjebre, the Chairman of Nigeria Legion, Warri South Chapter, Major Pius Unurhiere (Rtd.) representatives of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III and the Ovie of Agbarha Kingdom, Warri, HRM Kingsley Orereh (Igbi II) service chiefs, the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Warri South Chapter, Dr. John Ojopagogo, Delta South Chairman of All Progressive Congress, Mr. Austine Oribioye, Warri South Chairman of APC, Mr. Mario Owumi, Chief Vincent Okudolor and Warri South Council Head of Personnel Management, Mrs. Remi Omatsuli laid wreath at the cenotaph of the unknown soldier.

Textual contributor; Mrs. Nkechi Taiye-Awe, Chief Information Officer, Warri South LGC

Photo/Video Credit: Asare Michael Segun

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