In Abuja on Sunday, President Muhammadu Buhari presided over the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day. He leaves office on May 29, 2023.
The event serves as the culmination of events that got underway on November 16, 2022, when Buhari unveiled the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund at the presidential villa in Abuja.
At the time, he had declared an N10 million donation to the Nigerian Legion.
Every year on January 15th, the Nigerian Armed Forces commemorate their service members and dead heroes with a day called Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
The day was adjusted in Nigeria to commemorate the restoration of her unity. The Day is also set aside to honor paramilitary personnel who have passed away while performing their obligations.
The President reviewed a Guard of Honour posted by detachments of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Nigerian Legion during the ceremony on Sunday at the National Arcade, across from Eagle Square in the Three Arms Zone.
Both Christian and Muslim clerics prayed for the nation’s well-being and the peaceful rest of the deceased’s souls.
As a final act of remembrance for the dead soldiers who gave their lives to protect their country’s territorial integrity and the peace on Earth, Buhari placed a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and Federal Capital Territory Minister Mohammed Musa Bello all laid wreaths as well.
Others include the Inspector General of Police, the Nigerian Legion, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, and service leaders.
The event began with three 21-gun salute volleys, and then the president signed the Remembrance Day anniversary record alongside the heads of the other branches of government, military chiefs, and other high government officials.
White birds were then released by President Buhari to symbolize the unity of the country.