Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has called for strengthened welfare programmes, regular financial support, and empowerment initiatives for widows of fallen Nigerian armed forces personnel, stressing that such efforts are essential to honouring the sacrifices of officers who gave their lives for national security.
Hamzat made the call on Friday while speaking at a special Jumat service held to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, observed annually on January 15. The prayer session was organised in Lagos to remember fallen heroes and pray for peace and stability in the country.
The deputy governor appealed to the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to prioritise targeted interventions for widows of fallen heroes, describing them as a vulnerable group that deserves sustained government attention.
According to him, recognising the sacrifices of military personnel must go beyond annual ceremonies and extend to concrete policies that improve the living conditions of their families, particularly widows and children left behind.
Hamzat also used the occasion to address misconceptions about Islam in global discourse, expressing concern over the frequent portrayal of Muslims as terrorists. He stressed that Islam is a religion of peace and does not support violence or terrorism.
“If you are doing anything that hurts another fellow, you are not a Muslim,” he said. “The Qur’an is very clear that hurting one person is like hurting an entire community. You cannot claim to be a Muslim and inflict harm on others.”
He urged Muslim leaders and clerics to consistently project the peaceful teachings of Islam and counter negative narratives through sermons and public engagements that promote harmony, tolerance, and coexistence.
Earlier in his sermon, the Imam who led the Jumat prayer, Saheed Ahmad, said security is a collective responsibility that should not be left to security agencies alone. He noted that citizens also have a role to play in promoting peace through lawful conduct, mutual respect, and vigilance.
“The security challenges we face today are the responsibility of all. If every individual acts responsibly and in a God-fearing manner, that is one less problem for the security agencies to worry about,” the Imam said.
He paid tribute to men and women of the armed forces who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing them as patriots who deserve prayers and divine reward for their sacrifices.
The Imam also cautioned against the spread of rumours and unverified information, warning that such actions could undermine public safety and national stability.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is marked annually across Nigeria to honour fallen soldiers and reflect on the importance of peace, unity, and collective responsibility in nation-building.
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