President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly leadership, governors, and other high-ranking government officials paid tribute to both living and dead soldiers at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Ceremony held in Abuja and throughout the states on Thursday.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Nigeria is observed annually to honour the men and women of the Nigerian military who have sacrificed their lives in service to the nation. Specifically, January 15 commemorates the end of the Nigerian Civil War, which officially concluded on January 15, 1970.
In Abuja, the event began with the submission of the parade state by the parade commander, after which Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President, inspected the guard of honour, accompanied by the Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig Gen Adebisi Onasanya.
A firing party then led dignitaries to the cenotaph for the laying of wreaths.
The Last Post was sounded in honour of fallen heroes as all present stood in respect.
Special prayers were later offered by an imam and a chaplain for the repose of the souls of the departed and the protection of serving personnel.
This was followed by a minute of silence in honour of the fallen soldiers.
At about 10:35 am, wreaths were laid at the cenotaph, beginning with the Vice President, followed by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa (retd), Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and High Commissioner of Cameroon, Salaheddine Ibrahima, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Three volleys were later fired by the firing party after the wreath-laying.
The President, represented by Vice President Shettima, thereafter signed the anniversary register and released pigeons to mark the occasion.
Other dignitaries at the event were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, among others.
Speaking to journalists after the event, Gen Musa (retd) reaffirmed the importance of honouring Nigeria’s fallen soldiers, wounded personnel, serving officers and their families, noting that the nation owed them continued appreciation and support.
He said, “It is always important to appreciate those who have made sacrifices — those who lost their lives, their family members, those who were injured, and those who are still serving.
“It is a comprehensive effort we undertake together to appreciate and encourage them by reminding them that Nigerians love them, Nigerians are praying for them, and that we need to support them.
“If you recall, even the name has been changed. It is no longer only the Armed Forces Remembrance Day. It is now the Armed Forces Celebration, where we celebrate those who are alive and remember those who have passed on. I think that is very comprehensive.”
The celebration was also observed across the states, with governors and heads of security agencies honouring both fallen and serving heroes.
In Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa pledged to support the widows of military men who had lost their lives in active service to the country.
Speaking at the final parade, laying of wreaths and empowerment of widows of the fallen heroes at the Government Cenotaph, Akure, the state capital, he said, “To the widows of our fallen heroes, we recognise the challenges you face and the sacrifices you continue to make.
“We are committed to supporting you and ensuring that you have the resources, opportunities and recognition you deserve.”
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, commended the governor for his financial support to widows, noting that the initiative would enhance their livelihoods.
In Cross River State, Governor Bassey Otu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of military veterans, widows and families of fallen heroes.
