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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to honour the sacrifices of fallen military heroes, warning that a nation forgetting them “loses its direction.”
President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, spoke yesterday when he led the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, members of the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly, service chiefs and diplomatic corps to honour the nation’s fallen and living heroes at an event commemorating the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Tinubu, in a statement he personally signed, reflected on the bravery of Nigeria’s Armed Forces. “On this Armed Forces Remembrance and Celebration Day, Nigeria pauses to honour its heroes,” he said. “We remember the brave men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces who sacrificed everything for our country. Their names might not always be remembered, but their courage sustains our freedom and peace.”
He extended solidarity to families of the fallen, acknowledging their profound grief. “I also speak today to the families of our fallen heroes—widows, children, and loved ones. Your loss is profound, and no words can replace the sacrifices of your loved ones. They served Nigeria with honour, and our people will never forget their sacrifices.”
Tinubu praised active-duty personnel for their unwavering service across land, sea, and air. “Today, we celebrate our serving personnel. From the frontlines to support positions… you carry the heavy responsibility of protecting our people and sovereignty with discipline, courage, and professionalism, often far from home.”
As Commander-in-Chief, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s support. “A secure Nigeria stands behind those who defend it. We will continue to support them in action,” he pledged, concluding with prayers: “May our fallen heroes rest in peace. May God strengthen our Armed Forces. May God bless Nigeria.”
The event, which involved the laying of wreaths at the National Arcade in Abuja, was the climax of activities for the AFCRD.
First to lay the wreath was Shettima, followed by Akpabio, Speaker House of Representatives, represented by the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kerere-Ekun.
The wreath was also laid by the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Dean of Diplomatic Corps, who is the High Commissioner of Cameroon to Nigeria, Salaheddine Ibrahima.
They were followed by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chiefs of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbaa; Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
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Other dignitaries, who also performed the wreath-laying were the National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Ms Grace Henry and representative of military widows, Mrs Cynthia Dusu.
There was also the firing of three volleys in honour of the fallen heroes which has its origin in the old custom of halting fighting in the warfront to remove the dead from the battlefield.
The Vice President, thereafter, signed the anniversary register and released the ceremonial pigeons as a symbol of national peace and freedom.
The celebration started with a series of activities including the Jumma’at prayer on January 9 at the National Mosque and the Interdenominational Christian service on January 11.
This year’s celebration also featured other activities, such as social and award evening for soldiers, ratings and airmen and Regimental Dinner and Award night for officers organised by the Defence Headquarters, among other activities.
The Ministry of Defence Headquarters also held a symposium and lecture series on Monday; Gala and Award Nite on Tuesday as well as medical outreach to military veterans and their families on Wednesday in Abuja.
The event, formerly known as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, but now changed to Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is meant to create an avenue to also celebrate and honour the serving personnel of the armed forces.
It is celebrated globally to recognise and appreciate the sacrifices made by citizens for the cause of peace.
In Nigeria, January 15 is set aside annually to honour the fallen heroes, who laid down their lives in service to humanity during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peace missions and various internal security operations.
The event is also used to honour veterans still alive and as a medium for soliciting financial, moral and material support for the families of the fallen heroes.
