Ambassador Isola Joins Ogun State Government at Armed Forces Remembrance Church Service

The Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, on Sunday, January 11, 2025, became a solemn sanctuary of national memory and renewed patriotism as Ogun State marked the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day with dignity, faith and deep reflection. The special church service, rich in symbolism and national consciousness, drew together political leaders, royal fathers, veterans, serving security chiefs and families of fallen heroes in an atmosphere that blended prayer with patriotic resolve.

Prominent among the distinguished attendees was the erstwhile Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR, whose presence and post-service reflections lent historic depth and moral clarity to the occasion. The service was attended by the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Her Excellency Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele FNSE, who represented the Executive Governor, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun CON, alongside the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Daisi Olusegun Victor Elemide, the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice Modupeolu Dipeolu, the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Oresanya, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Oluwatoyin Emmanuel Taiwo, commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, party leaders, as well as past and serving political appointees.

The royal colour of the gathering was unmistakable. The Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, was represented by the Onimeko of Imeko, while the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo CFR, Okukenu IV, graced the service in person, joined by other revered monarchs who added ancestral authority and cultural gravitas to the remembrance.

Also present were former Deputy Governor Her Excellency Chief Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, former Speaker and current Chairman of the Ogun State House of Assembly Service Commission Rt. Hon. Surajudeen Adekunmbi, former Heads of Service, and members of the Ogun State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria led by its Chairman, Hon. Dr. Folasade Adeyemo. The Chairman of the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Legion, Veteran Maryam Adebayo Akinola, attended with other respected service chiefs and veterans, while families of fallen heroes sat in quiet dignity, embodying the true meaning of sacrifice.

The sermon, delivered by Ven. Dr. S. K. Popoola, JP, of Christ Chapel of Grace and Mercy (OAIC), resonated deeply with the congregation. Drawing spiritual strength from the message of hope, resilience and victory in Christ, the sermon reminded the nation that courage in battle and faith in adversity are virtues that transcend generations. The Bible reading from Romans 8:31–39, read on behalf of the Executive Governor, underscored the unbreakable bond between sacrifice, divine purpose and national destiny.

In her goodwill message, Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele conveyed the heartfelt appreciation of Governor Dapo Abiodun CON to officers and men of the Armed Forces, past and present, for their unwavering commitment to the defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty. She described the Remembrance Day as a sacred reminder that peace is purchased at a high price and must be protected with collective responsibility. Speaking on behalf of the Governor, she commended the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, particularly its clear focus on strengthening national security, boosting the morale of security agencies and restoring confidence in the ability of the state to protect lives and property.

Addressing journalists after the service, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR offered a profound appraisal of Nigeria’s Armed Forces at large, acknowledging their sacrifices in defending the nation’s peace, unity and territorial integrity. He situated Nigeria’s military history within the broader context of global sacrifice, recalling their participation in the First World War and the Second World War, where nations learnt, the value of unity and peaceful co-existence. He further reflected on the role of Armed Forces in bringing the Civic War to an end. He also acknowledged their relentless participation in banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and other internal security challenges.

Ambassador Isola stressed that remembrance is not merely ceremonial but instructive, urging leaders and citizens alike to draw wisdom from history in confronting contemporary security challenges. He prayed for the reposed of the souls of the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria who lost their lives in wars and other security challenges.

In the same breath, he admonished Nigerians to see security as a shared responsibility, calling on Nigerians to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by promptly providing credible intelligence. He reminded Nigerians that, national security thrives best when patriotism is practiced not only by those in uniform but also by civilians who value peaceful, and lawful coexistence.

The former Secretary to the Ogun State Government concluded his remarks with heartfelt prayers for Nigeria, Ogun State, Armed Forces and all Nigerians, invoking divine guidance, protection and unity. As the congregation dispersed from the historic cathedral, the atmosphere was one of renewed resolve, gratitude and hope, leaving no doubt that the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day service in Abeokuta was not only a tribute to the fallen heroes but a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s collective commitment to peace, security and a shared future.