President Bola Tinubu on Thursday led top government officials in Abuja to honour fallen and serving soldiers at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Ceremony.
The event began with the submission of the parade state by the parade commander, followed by an inspection of the guard of honour by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President, alongside the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brig. Gen. Adebisi Onasanya.
A firing party then escorted dignitaries to the cenotaph for the laying of wreaths. The Last Post was sounded in honour of fallen heroes, and all present observed a minute of silence. Special prayers were offered by an imam and a chaplain for the repose of the departed and the protection of serving personnel.
Wreaths were laid at the cenotaph by the Vice President, Senate President, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen Waheedi Shaibu, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibas Abbas, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and other officials. Three volleys were fired by the firing party after the wreath-laying. President Tinubu then signed the anniversary register and released pigeons to mark the occasion.
Dignitaries at the event included the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; and members of the diplomatic corps, led by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Cameroonian High Commissioner Salaheddine Ibrahima.
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Speaking to journalists after the event, the Minister of Defence emphasised the importance of appreciating the sacrifices of fallen soldiers, wounded personnel, serving officers, and their families. “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 encourage them and show that Nigerians face challenges, love them, pray for them, and support them,” he said.
He added that the celebration now extends beyond a single day, noting, “It is no longer only the Armed Forces Remembrance Day. Now, we have a week-long programme of activities. 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 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is observed every January 15 to honour the sacrifices of both living and deceased Nigerian soldiers.
