Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 announced a ₦100 million donation to the Nigerian Legion, doubling the state’s 2025 contribution, as he called for a decisive shift from symbolic ceremonies to concrete, year-round support for Nigeria’s veterans and fallen heroes.

The Governor made the announcement at the 2026 Emblem Appeal Launch held at Government House, Port Harcourt, stressing that the sacrifices which secured Nigeria’s unity must be honoured with sustained welfare interventions rather than annual rituals.

According to Governor Fubara, the remembrance of fallen heroes should extend beyond emblem launches to deliberate actions that improve the lives of surviving veterans and the families they left behind. “It should go beyond coming here annually to do the emblem launching. It should go beyond that to support those who are still alive and appreciate the dead ones through any other means we can,” he said.

Responding to concerns over an earlier pledge to employ 50 children of veterans, the Governor clarified that the delay was procedural rather than a reversal of policy. He urged the Nigerian Legion to forward the required list, assuring prompt action once received. “If you bring it and I don’t act, then let’s see,” he stated.

Governor Fubara also expressed satisfaction with the ongoing construction of the permanent Nigerian Legion State Secretariat, pledging that the project would be completed before the end of 2026. He further urged individuals and organisations to redeem their pledges promptly to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of welfare programmes to veterans.

In a welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, described Governor Fubara—himself the son of a soldier—as a dependable ally of the military community. Quoting, “We don’t know them all, but we owe them all,” he paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of fallen heroes.

Earlier, Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Rivers State Command, ACG Kuu Aminikpo Promise, commended the Governor’s consistent support, particularly the construction of the State Secretariat, which he described as a landmark achievement for the organisation.

The emblem launch formally signals the commencement of activities ahead of Armed Forces Remembrance Day on January 15, 2026, reaffirming Rivers State’s commitment to honouring and supporting those who served the nation.