As part of activities marking the Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) 2026, the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, alongside the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), 107 Air Maritime Group of the Nigerian Air Force Base, the Military Hospital, and members of the Nigerian Legion, Edo State Chapter, on 11 January 2026, held an Interdenominational Service in Benin City.

According to Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Headquarters 4 Brigade, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, the service was organised to honour, celebrate, and remember officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation and in the pursuit of peace and security.

Delivering the sermon, Lieutenant Colonel (Rev) MS Dallys disclosed that the theme of the event was “Celebration of Victory and Remembrance of the Fallen Heroes”.

He took his Bible reading from 1 Samuel 17:45–51 and offered prayers for continued victory and success of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in all operations, both within and outside the country.

He also prayed for the repose of the souls of fallen heroes of the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, as well as those who lost their lives in internal and external peacekeeping operations.

The service was colourful and well-attended, featuring the Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Major General AO Adegbite, who read the First Lesson while the Commander, 107 Air Maritime Group, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore EV Onu, read the Second Lesson.

In his remarks, the Commander 4 Brigade, Brigadier General AO Balogun, noted that the AFCRD 2026 activities in the state commenced on Friday, 9 January 2026, with a special Juma’at prayer held at the Headquarters 4 Brigade Mosque.

He concluded by praying for God’s mercy and eternal rest for fallen heroes, as well as divine protection and blessings for serving, retired and discharged personnel.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed deep condolences to the family of former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, over the passing of their matriarch, Chief (Mrs.) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, who died at the age of 101.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Tuesday, Governor Abiodun described the demise of Mama Onabanjo as the end of a glorious era, noting that she lived a highly exemplary, fulfilled, and distinguished life devoted to God, family, and humanity.

The Governor said that although the loss of a mother is always painful, regardless of age, Mama Lucia’s transition at 101 is also worthy of celebration, given her impactful life and enduring legacy.

According to him, Mama Onabanjo stood firmly by her husband, the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, through his historic struggles for democracy, human rights, and social justice in Nigeria.

He said:

“After a glorious epoch in which she joined her husband, our Papa, Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, in the fight for democracy, the delivery of its dividends on a massive scale, and the advancement of human rights and social justice, Mama has now been reunited with Papa in glory.

“Mama was a treasure and a source of joy to all who knew her. She consistently supported us with her prayers and goodwill, spreading joy, comfort, and hope to everyone around her.

“I commiserate with the Onabanjo family, even as I celebrate them for the great gift that Mama was to all of us.

“She stood by her husband through thick and thin and raised children and grandchildren who are today highly distinguished in diverse fields of human endeavour, breaking records and contributing meaningfully to society.

“We bless the Lord for her long and fulfilled life, her legacy of love, strength, deep faith, and commitment to development.

“We will miss her warmth, her wise counsel, her passion for progress, and her prayers. May the Good Lord grant her eternal rest in His bosom.”

Governor Abiodun prayed that God would grant the Onabanjo family, friends, and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Akran of Badagry, Oba De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, describing the late monarch as one of the most respected and dignified traditional rulers in Lagos State.

In a condolence message, Obasanjo said he received the news of the monarch’s death with shock, noting that the late Akran lived a fulfilled life of over eight decades and reigned for nearly 50 years, a period marked by peace, stability, and progress in the Badagry Kingdom.

The former President described Badagry as a historic kingdom with a rich cultural heritage, stressing that Oba Menu-Toyi I was a patriotic custodian of tradition who devoted his reign to preserving and promoting the customs and values of his people.

According to Obasanjo, the late monarch played a significant role in fostering unity, peace, and development across Badagry, earning him widespread respect within and beyond the kingdom.

He commiserated with the Lagos State Government, the people of Badagry, and the royal family, urging them to take comfort in the fact that Oba Menu-Toyi I lived a worthy life dedicated to service, tradition, and the advancement of his community.