Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has said that the welfare of men and officers of the Nigerian military should be prioritised given their sacrifices for the country.
Speaking on Sunday during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day inter-denominational service at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa, Gov. Diri stated that the military men and women deserve better welfare during and after their service to the nation.
The governor decried a situation where retired military personnel go through harrowing conditions to get their pension and retirement benefits, while some of them even die in the process.
He recalled how his former classmate, a retired military officer, died recently due to poor welfare, stressing that having put their lives on the line in the course of duty, they deserve the support and encouragement of Nigerians.
He, however, expressed delight that under the current federal government, the situation was improving and called for greater sacrifices for the military from government at all levels and Nigerians in general.
He urged Nigerians to discontinue the practice of criticising the military and the government on social media at every given opportunity, saying what the military deserves was commendation for their selfless service.
The governor also implored serving military and police officers to be diligent and professional in their service so as not to discredit their agencies.
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In a sermon, the Special Adviser to the governor on Religion, Rev. Godspower Asingba, emphasised the need for Nigerians to pray for and encourage the military.
Asingba said military personnel work under extremely harsh environment and struggle to enjoy a better life, and therefore deserve prayers.
Present at the service were the wife of the governor, Patience Diri, the senator representing Bayelsa Central, Senator Konbowei Benson, member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rep. Fred Agbedi, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere and other state legislators as well as the state Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye.
Also in attendance were two former deputy governors, Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, and other members of the state executive council, service commanders, serving and retired military officers among others.
