By Nakanda Iyadim
The Cross River State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has called on Nigerians to look beyond ceremonial observances and recommit to the core values of patriotism and responsible civic conduct.
In their public relations statement issued at the end of their monthly meeting held at the conference room of the Ministry of Information to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Thursday, the State Chairman Pastor Augustine Mboso emphasized that the peace and sovereignty enjoyed across the nation are sustained by the “discipline, duty, and unwavering commitment” of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The Chairman noted that the day serves as a solemn reminder of the ultimate price paid by fallen heroes and stressed that true remembrance requires a collective responsibility to preserve national unity and protect the legacy of those who served.
“A nation that honors its heroes must equally commit to preserving the values they defended,” Mboso stated, identifying unity, patriotism, and respect for institutions as the essential pillars of a stable society.
As a body dedicated to reputation management, the NIPR highlighted the critical link between communication and national security.
The Institute urged media practitioners and public officials to be mindful of their rhetoric, asserting that the way the nation discusses its security forces directly impacts social cohesion and public morale.
The NIPR advocated for dignity, accuracy, and sensitivity in discourse regarding national service. Furthermore, the body called for robust policies that provide sustainable, long-term care for veterans and the families of fallen heroes.
Addressing the issue of patriotism they noted remain paramount in the development of the country, the Institute encouraged citizens to champion narratives that bridge divides rather than fuel fragmentation.
In a final tribute to both serving personnel and veterans—whose sacrifices, the Institute noted, are “woven into the fabric of our national story”—the NIPR urged all Nigerians to use the occasion to recommit to building a nation worthy of the sacrifices made on the frontlines.
