The Executive Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Anthony Nyong, has honoured members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigerian Legion for their selfless service and sacrifices in the defence of national peace and unity.
The honour was accorded on Sunday, January 11, 2026, during an interdenominational Thanksgiving service held at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Odot, as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance Day.
Taking the first Bible reading from Isaiah 42:1–9, Prince Nyong described members of the armed forces as selfless patriots whose sacrifices, especially those of fallen heroes, have kept the nation united and peaceful.
According to him, his administration would not only continue to honour fallen heroes but would also do everything within its powers to ensure improved welfare and comfortable living conditions for members of the Nigerian Legion in Nsit Atai.
“Today, we are not just remembering; we are also celebrating you, the indefatigable men and women of our armed forces, for the day and night you spend on duty to ensure that we sleep with our two eyes closed,” the Chairman stated.
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Prince Nyong also commended the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, for championing peace and unity across the state. He noted that the prevailing peace in Akwa Ibom was a reflection of purposeful leadership and inclusive governance, which has created an enabling environment for development.
The Chairman further called on Nigerians to support government at all levels in building a nation where unity and peace prevail over division and conflict, urging the people to ensure that the legacies of fallen heroes remain alive for future generations.
While thanking the congregation for joining the armed forces at the service, which he described as a prelude to the January 15 Remembrance Day ceremony, the Chairman reiterated that the peace enjoyed today was a result of the supreme price paid by gallant officers who laid down their lives to keep the nation together.
He added that it was the wisdom of the Federal Government to set aside the period to pray for the souls of departed heroes and to commiserate with their families, encouraging them to bear their loss with fortitude.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Nsit Atai Chapter, WO Edet Idung (Rtd.), welcomed the Executive Chairman and thanked the Methodist Church for hosting the legion. He said the occasion was a reminder of the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice, leaving behind widows, widowers, and orphans in the interest of national peace. He appealed for continued financial and moral support for legionnaires and called for prayers for troops currently engaged on various fronts across the country.
Also speaking, the CEO of Eminence Oil and Gas, Obong Emmanuel Okon, commended the armed forces for their dedication to safeguarding the nation. The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Nsit Atai Chapter, Rev. Paul John, equally praised the sacrifices of military personnel and urged sustained prayers for peace in the country.
In his homily, Very Rev’d Felix Ebong spoke on the theme “New Things Through Righteousness,” with Bible references from Matthew 3:16–17. He emphasized that genuine transformation and development can only come through righteousness, stressing that darkness is giving way to light in Nsit Atai and that public office holders must demonstrate integrity, commitment, and selflessness in service.
The high point of the event was the offering of special prayers for Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State, Nsit Atai Local Government Area, and members of the Nigerian Legion.
