Muslim faithful in Rivers State on Friday converged at the Central Mosque in Port Harcourt Township to offer special prayers for peace, unity, and sustainable development of the State, and Nigeria as a whole.

The Jum’at service was part of the activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in the state.

The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, used the occasion to express deep appreciation to members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, veterans, and fallen heroes for their invaluable contributions to the unity, security, and progress of the nation.

This was contained in a statement by Head, Information and Public Relations Unit

Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Juliana Masi.

Represented by Alhaji Abdulrasaq Diepriye, Governor Fubara described the sacrifices of military personnel and veterans as heroic and enduring, noting that their commitment to national unity and stability remains worthy of continuous recognition and honour.

According to the governor, the State Government will always acknowledge and appreciate the courage, patriotism, and selfless service demonstrated by members of the Armed Forces in defending the sovereignty of Nigeria.

“We must continue to commend the values, sacrifices, and unity displayed by our veterans and serving military officers,” he stated.

“We thank you for your gallantry, sacrifices, love, and dedication, which have helped to keep our nation united,” the governor added

Earlier in his sermon, the Chief Imam of the Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, called on Muslim faithful to remain steadfast in prayers for the nation and its security forces, urging them not to relent in promoting peace and good works in society.

As part of activities lined up to commemorate this year’s Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, a Humanitarian Outreach/Family and Community Day held on Saturday at the Government House, while an interdenominational church thanksgiving service took place yesterday at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt.

This will be followed by the Wreath-Laying and Parade Ceremony on Thursday, 15th January 2026, at the Isaac Boro Park Cenotaph, Port Harcourt.

?Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged Rivers people to remain calm and peaceful, and trust in God as his administration works to sustain the peace and progress of the State.

?The governor made the call yesterday during a special Inter-Denominational Church Service held in commemoration of the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt.

This was contained in a statement by Head, Information and Public Relations Unit,

Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Juliana Masi.

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?Fubara emphasized that his quietness and calm disposition are from God who gives him confidence and strength, saying there is no need for panic or agitation when one is anchored on divine authority.

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?”I know what I have. I know that I have what is supreme and that is God. So, I want everyone to be relaxed. What is important is peace for this dear State, and we will get it by the special name of God,” he said.

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?The governor assured the people of the State that the central objective of his administration remains the entrenchment of lasting peace across the State, adding that the government is committed to achieving this through faith and responsible leadership.

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?In her remarks, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, drew attention to the message of the sermon and reminded the congregation that every individual is ultimately judged by the impact they make while alive.

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?She paid tribute to fallen heroes and heroines, as well as veterans present at the service, describing their sacrifices as invaluable to the nation.

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?”But I want to solemnly say to all of us that as we have come today to pray for legionnaires, for the wives of the fallen heroes, the husbands of the fallen heroines, please continue to uphold the government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara and my humble self in prayers. Prayers have sustained us so far and we believe that prayers will continue to sustain us in the mighty name of Jesus.”

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?The sermon, delivered by the Most Reverend Blessing Enyindah, Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Ikwerre Diocese, had the theme “Only Remembered by What We Have Done, ” and anchored on Judges 5:1–10.

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?The Archbishop commended the governor for his consistent support for the Armed Forces and urged leaders and citizens alike to use their lives to build a legacy of peace, love and service to God and humanity.

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?He further admonished that those who live a just life, use their position and resources to help others and, be a blessing to the house of God shall be blessed.

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?”When we serve God with out hearts and light, we shall be remembered. What shall you be remembered for?”, he asked.

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?The service also had intercessory prayers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, veterans, and families of fallen heroes, as well as prayers for divine wisdom and guidance for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Rivers State Executive Council, and the nation at large.

Officers of the Nigerian Air Force have met with senior officials of the United States Government and representatives of Messrs Bell Textron to fast-track the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters.

The meeting took place during a Programme Management Review meeting led by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, from 5 to 6 January 2026 in San Diego, California, United States.

A statement by the NAF spokesperson, Ehimen Ejodame, yesterday, said the meeting focused on assessing the status of the helicopter acquisition and measures to ensure the timely delivery of the 12 AH-1Z platforms.

According to the statement, Aneke said the review was aimed at strengthening programme oversight, accountability and adherence to agreed timelines and budget.

“In a strategic move to enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, led a Programme Management Review meeting with senior United States Government officials and representatives of Messrs Bell Textron from 5 to 6 January 2026 in San Diego, California, USA.

“The engagement focused on fast-tracking the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, a critical capability enhancement aligned with the CAS’s Command Philosophy of building and sustaining a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces for the attainment of national security objectives, ” the statement partly read.

Aneke expressed appreciation to the United States Government and Messrs Bell Textron for their continued cooperation, professionalism, and transparency in the execution of the helicopter acquisition programme.

He noted that the structured review reflects the NAF’s deliberate emphasis on programme discipline, accountability, and results.

“We deeply value the professionalism and openness demonstrated throughout this process, and we remain fully committed to working closely with our partners to ensure the timely and successful delivery of these platforms,” the CAS stated.

The CAS further emphasised that the acquisition of the AH-1Z helicopters represents more than a platform upgrade, describing it as a reflection of the enduring defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.

According to him, the programme underscores a shared responsibility for regional and global security, built on mutual trust, shared values, and a common vision for peace and stability.

“This partnership speaks to our collective resolve to confront evolving security challenges through collaboration and sustained capability development,” he added.

Reaffirming the NAF’s sense of urgency and commitment, Air Marshal Aneke assured the US team that his administration would take all necessary measures to ensure the helicopters are delivered in the shortest possible time.

He also charged the programme management team to work smartly and proactively to complete production on schedule and within budget.

“Timelines and standards must be met concurrently. We must remain focused, innovative, and solutions-driven,” the CAS stressed.

The CAS expressed profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Air Force.

He noted that the acquisition of the AH-1Z helicopters would significantly enhance the NAF’s combat capability, operational efficiency, and mission readiness, thereby strengthening the Service’s ability to deliver decisive airpower in support of national security and stability.

He added that the advanced capabilities of the helicopters would enable the Nigerian Air Force to conduct highly precise operations, minimise collateral damage, and provide timely and effective support to ground forces, ultimately saving lives and protecting property across affected communities.

The CAS reassured Nigerians of the NAF’s unwavering commitment to eliminating terrorist and criminal threats with professionalism, restraint, and accountability, while sustaining public trust and confidence in the Service’s operations.

Recall that Nigeria’s purchase of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters was first approved by the United States government in April 2022, when the U.S. State Department, through the Defence Security Cooperation Agency, cleared a possible Foreign Military Sale of the helicopters and related equipment to the Government of Nigeria.

According to Military Africa, the formal production and delivery contract for the 12 AH-1Z helicopters, valued at $455 million, was awarded to Bell Textron on 12 March 2024 by the U.S. Department of Defence.