2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Peace, Gratitude, and Legacy Take Centre Stage as Fubara, Deputy Worship at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday joined worshippers at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church as part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, using the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to peace, faith, and stability in the state.

Speaking during the thanksgiving service, Governor Fubara struck a reflective and reassuring tone, urging Rivers people to remain calm and focused despite distractions and criticisms.

“Let me say it here: when we were marking the New Year, I said something—that dogs bark when they don’t understand,” the governor said. “The reason I don’t shout or complain is because I know what I have, which is God. I want you to be relaxed. What is important for our dear state is peace, and we will get it by the special grace of God.”

Emphasising unity in leadership, Governor Fubara described his mandate with his deputy as a collective responsibility, noting that governance is a shared trust.

“This ticket is a joint ticket,” he said, before inviting his deputy to address the congregation. In a light-hearted but symbolic remark, he added that regardless of future uncertainties, his deputy should continue to enjoy and exercise the authority of governance.

Taking the microphone, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof. (Mrs.) Ngozi Ordu, described the gathering as a moment of deep thanksgiving and sober reflection.

“I have been given a task, and this is a task of thanksgiving,” she said. “I want to thank everyone—big or small, tall or mighty—everyone who has come under this roof today. Above all, I thank God.”

She noted that the service was dedicated to remembering fallen heroes and heroines, as well as honouring legionnaires who have served the nation with courage and sacrifice. Prof. Ordu paid special recognition to the Anglican leadership present, including the Most Reverend Blessing Eyinda, Bishop of the Ikwerre Diocese and Dean of the Anglican Communion.

Reflecting on the broader message of the day, the deputy governor stressed that remembrance goes beyond ceremonies, touching on how individuals live and are ultimately remembered.

“Each and every one of us is remembered by what we have done,” she said. “It is something we must reflect on in our hearts. What we do guides our attitudes, our actions, and how we relate with people, bearing in mind that one day there will be a day of reckoning—when people will reflect on what you have done, whether good or bad.”

She concluded with a call to moral responsibility and purposeful living, urging worshippers to leave the cathedral with a renewed commitment to do good.

“By God’s grace, let us strive to be remembered for good. Let this service resonate in our hearts and guide us to think about the good we will do,” she prayed.

The service formed part of state-wide observances to honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes, while also reinforcing themes of peace, gratitude, and enduring legacy in Rivers State.