Ayoola Lawal, a former secretary, All Progressives Congress Committee for Diaspora Chairmen, has urged the Federal Government to immortalise Lt. Felix Isaac, Nigerian Army officer who paid the supreme price during rescue of the abducted Oyo pupils and teachers on Friday.
In a statement on Sunday in Lagos, Lawal, the immediate past APC chairman in the Scandinavian Countries, described the late officer as a shining symbol of courage, patriotism, and selfless service.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the Nigerian Army has laid Isaac, a 28-year-old officer, who lost his life in the mission to rescue abducted schoolchildren and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State to rest.
NAN recalls that Isaac was killed by landmines while leading the initial breach to rescue the victims, who were in captivity for 56 days.
The lieutenant was at the forefront of the operation in the Old Oyo National Park, firing the first shots. His convoy was hit by IEDs set by terrorists.
The APC diaspora chieftain, who was a house of representatives candidate, said Isaac’s sacrifice should inspire a renewed national commitment to honouring all those who sacrificed their lives down in defence of Nigeria.
Lawal urged the federal government to immortalise the fallen officer by naming a school, military institution, scholarship programme, or other deserving public facility in his honour.
He noted that such recognition would serve as a lasting reminder that the nation’s peace and security are sustained by the courage and sacrifice of its men and women in uniform.
Lawal said: “While I commend the security agencies for the successful rescue, I join millions of Nigerians in paying tribute to Lt. Isaac.
“His bravery, professionalism, and unwavering devotion to duty represent the finest traditions of our Armed Forces.
“By sacrificing his life to secure the freedom of innocent schoolchildren and their teachers, he demonstrated the highest ideals of military service and love for country.”
He, however, emphasised that while Isaac’s heroism deserved national recognition, his sacrifice should also serve as a catalyst for a broader and more enduring national policy on remembrance.
“Lieutenant Isaac’s sacrifice is deeply symbolic but he is one among countless gallant officers and men, who have paid the supreme sacrifice in defending the sovereignty, unity, and security of our nation.
“We must not allow the sacrifices of others to fade into history simply because they received less public attention.
“I urge the federal government to establish a National Roll of Honour for Every Fallen Hero,” he said.
Lawal said the permanent national register and memorial dedicated would be for every member of the Armed, the Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other security agencies.
He added that these were the officers and men who died in the line of duty, protecting the nation and its people.
Lawal said: “No nation becomes truly great by remembering only a few of its heroes. Great nations honour all, who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Such a National Roll of Honour would ensure that every fallen patriot is remembered, every bereaved family is acknowledged.
“Also every serving officer is reassured that their courage and sacrifice will forever remain part of our national memory.”
He observed that the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers was a reminder that every security victory often came at a profound personal cost, borne by brave men and women, who willingly placed themselves in harm’s way for the safety of others.
Lawal extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late lieutenant, the Chief of Army Staff, officers and families of all members of the nation’s security services who had paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians to remain united in supporting the country’s security institutions and to continue praying for the armed forces and other security agencies.
Lawal said this as they continue to confront terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, and other threats to national peace and security.
He prayed that Almighty God would grant eternal rest to Isaac and to all fallen heroes, comfort their families, and bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria with enduring peace, unity, and security.
