President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, January 15, led other senior government officials to the National Arcade, Abuja, to commemorate this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.
On arrival, President Tinubu, as the Special Guest of Honour, took his place at the saluting Dias for the National Salute.
Subsequently, he conducted an inspection of the 120-member Guards of Honour, accompanied by the Commander, Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya.
This marked a historic moment for President Tinubu, as it was the first time, he reviewed the parade at the National Arcade in his official capacity as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following his election victory and swearing-in ceremony on May 29, 2023.
The pre-wreath laying ceremony climaxed with the Last Post, a solemn tribute from the firing party, honouring the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives in the service of Nigeria.
Heartfelt prayers, led by military Chaplains and Imam, were offered for peace and stability of the nation, soldiers on the frontlines, political leaders, and commanders at various levels engaged in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
A minute of silence followed, paying homage to these heroes, while the wreath-laying commenced with the sounding of an artillery gun salute.
The firing party and the dignitaries, including President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and other notable dignitaries, moved in slow time towards the Cenotaph.
The firing party and the dignitaries, including President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and other notable dignitaries, moved in slow time towards the Cenotaph.
Here, President Tinubu laid the wreath setting the tone for others to follow.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of State, Defence, Bello Matawalle, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Nigeria, Ambassador of Cameroon, Salaheddine Abbas Ibrahim, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also paid their respects by laying wreaths.
The National Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Maj.-Gen Abdul-Malik Jibril (Retired), along with Veronica Aloko, Widow of Rear Admiral S.O Aloko, Former Commandant, National War College, added to the solemnity of the occasion by participating in the wreath-laying ceremony.
Post-wreath laying, President Tinubu signed the AFRD anniversary register and released white pigeons, symbolizing peace, before receiving the National Salute upon departure.
The parade and wreath laying ceremony is the culmination of the 2024 AFRD celebration, which commenced on October 25, 2023, with the launch of the emblem by President Tinubu.
During this event, the President announced the approval of N18 billion for the Group Life Assurance benefits and other entitlements for families of fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Watch Below The 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day
