Nigerian Army Day celebrations in Port Harcourt featured renewed calls for stronger collaboration between government, security agencies and citizens, as Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara described security as the foundation of sustainable development and national prosperity.
Fubara made the remarks on Sunday during the gala night marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, where he commended the Nigerian Army for its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and maintaining peace across the country.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, the governor said lasting peace remains essential for economic growth and social development.
“As everyone knows, security remains the vital foundation of any prosperous society, and a nation sleeps in peace because brave men and women stand awake in its defence,” he said. Fubara also paid tribute to military personnel who lost their lives in service to the nation.
“We honour those who have paid the ultimate price and stand in solidarity with the families they left behind. Their sacrifices continue to preserve our nation’s unity, protect our territorial integrity, and sustain our democracy,” he stated.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining close collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies operating in Rivers State. According to him, the partnership between the state government and the Army’s 6 Division has contributed significantly to improved peace, security and economic activities across the state.
“We sincerely appreciate the Nigerian Army’s relentless efforts in maintaining law and order in Rivers State, creating an environment where residents can live and sleep peacefully,” he added.
Speaking during the Nigerian Army Day event, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said the annual celebration provides an opportunity to strengthen civil-military relations and encourage greater public support for the Armed Forces.
He disclosed that the Army carried out several community intervention projects as part of the celebration, including the renovation of community secondary schools and the installation of solar-powered boreholes to improve living conditions in host communities.
Shaibu stressed that achieving lasting national security requires active cooperation between the military and the public. “As an Army, we recognise the indispensable role of the people in supporting our efforts to achieve national security objectives within a joint, multifaceted, and dynamic security environment.
“Enduring security can only be achieved through a strong partnership between the military, other security agencies, and the communities we are sworn to protect.
“This understanding forms the basis of our Civil-Military Cooperation Projects Scheme and other non-kinetic operations,” he said.
The Army Chief thanked the Rivers State Government and residents for their continued support and assured them that the Nigerian Army would sustain both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to address security challenges. He also urged Nigerians to continue supporting the military and other security agencies in promoting lasting peace, stability and national development through stronger cooperation and public trust.
