President Bola Tinubu led other key government officials to Abuja on Thursday for the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Ceremony, which honored both lost and living soldiers.
The event began with the parade commander submitting the parade state, followed by the vice president, Kashim Shettima, representing the president, inspecting the guard of honor, escorted by the commander of the Guards Brigade, Brig. Gen. Adebisi Onasanya.
A fire party then took dignitaries to the cenotaph for the wreath-laying ceremony.
The Last Post was sounded in honor of fallen heroes, and everyone present stood in reverence.
An imam and a chaplain later offered special prayers for the souls of the deceased and the protection of serving soldiers. This was followed by a minute of silence to honor the fallen soldiers.
At about 10:35 a.m., wreaths were laid at the cenotaph, beginning with the Vice President, followed by the Senate President, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and High Commissioner of Cameroon, Salaheddine Ibrahima, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waheedi Shaibu, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibas Abbas, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and other officials.
Three volleys were fired by the firing party after the laying of the wreath.
The president then signed the anniversary record and released pigeons to commemorate the event.
Dignitaries at the event included the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the Minister of Defence; the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd); the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Senate President, Godswill Akapbio; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; and members of the diplomatic corps, led by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and High Commissioner of Cameroon, Salaheddine Ibrahima.
Speaking to journalists following the event, the Minister of Defence emphasized the importance of remembering Nigeria’s deceased troops, wounded people, serving officers, and their families, stating that the country owed them ongoing gratitude 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 them and encourage them by reminding them that Nigerians face challenges, 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. Now, we have a week-long program 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 celebrated every January 15 to celebrate the sacrifices of both living and deceased soldiers.
