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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday led tributes to Nigeria’s fallen heroes at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) event, held at the Unknown Soldier Cenotaph in Eagle Square, Abuja.
Shettima stood in for President Bola Tinubu, who is attending Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 in the United Arab Emirates, marking his second straight year representing the President at this solemn occasion, following last year’s event.
Organised annually by the Ministry of Defence, the AFCRD honours military personnel who paid the ultimate sacrifice across history – from the World Wars and the Nigerian Civil War to peacekeeping missions and internal security operations, including the relentless battle against terrorism endangering the nation’s survival.
The ceremony also spotlighted living veterans, rallying financial and moral backing for them and for the families of the departed.
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Nigeria’s version is different from the global Remembrance Day on 11 November – tied to the 1918 Armistice that ended World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. As a Commonwealth nation, Nigeria once aligned with that date but shifted to 15 January to mark the end of the Nigerian Civil War and honour its distinct legacy.
This year’s observance carries extra weight, aligning with fresh triumphs by the Armed Forces in the Northeast and beyond. It spotlights the bravery, skill and sacrifices of troops tackling security threats to secure peace for all Nigerians.
President Tinubu, at the formal launch of the emblem and appeal fund for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Council Chambers, Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, on 2 December 2025, voiced his appreciation to these heroes, urging citizens, organisations and private firms to extend robust support – especially to the wounded and bereaved families – during and after the remembrance.
Tinubu hailed troops’ “exceptional courage, discipline and resilience” against terrorism, insurgency and banditry, urging all Nigerians to wear the emblem proudly as a badge of national gratitude and unity, while pledging more military equipping under his Renewed Hope Agenda.
