The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday paid tribute to deceased members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing their service as a sacred calling rooted in courage, discipline and sacrifice.

The governor spoke at the 2025 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Thanksgiving Service held at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Lagos, where he urged Nigerians to reflect on the unseen cost of peace and the responsibility of national unity.

“Today, we gather in the presence of God with hearts full of gratitude, humility and remembrance,” Sanwo-Olu said, adding that “this service is both a thanksgiving and a sacred pause — a moment to honour courage, to remember sacrifice, and to acknowledge the unseen cost of peace.”

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, noted that the freedom citizens enjoy daily are sustained by men and women who remain on constant guard.

Every day, we wake up to normal routines, travel freely, worship openly and live without fear. Someone, somewhere, is standing guard. Someone is watching the night so others can sleep,” he said.

The governor also remembered fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.

Addressing families of the deceased, Sanwo-Olu acknowledged their enduring pain and resilience.

“Your sacrifice is equally profound. You carried the weight of absence, uncertainty and loss with dignity. The nation owes you more than words; it owes you honour, care and enduring support. We stand with you, and we commit never to forget,” he said