Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Tinubu leads nation in tribute to fallen heroes

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday joined senior government officials in paying tribute to Nigeria’s fallen and serving military personnel at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Ceremony held in Abuja.

The ceremony opened with the submission of the parade state by the parade commander. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President, thereafter inspected the guard of honour alongside the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya.

A firing party later escorted dignitaries to the cenotaph for the traditional wreath-laying, followed by the sounding of the Last Post as attendees observed the moment in solemn respect. Muslim and Christian clerics offered special prayers for departed soldiers and for the safety of those still in service, after which a minute of silence was observed.

Wreaths were laid at about 10:35 a.m., beginning with the Vice President and followed by the Senate President, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and representatives of the diplomatic corps, led by Cameroon’s High Commissioner and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Salaheddine Ibrahima. Three volleys were then fired by the firing party.

The President subsequently signed the anniversary register and released pigeons to symbolise peace and remembrance.

Among dignitaries present were the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; senior military officers; and members of the diplomatic community.

Addressing journalists after the event, the Minister of Defence stressed the need for continuous recognition of the sacrifices made by fallen soldiers, wounded personnel, serving officers and their families. He noted that the observance has evolved into a broader, week-long programme.

“It is important to appreciate those who paid the ultimate price, those who were injured, and those who are still serving,” he said. “This celebration reminds them that Nigerians value their sacrifices, stand with them, and will continue to support them.”

He explained that the observance is now known as the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance, reflecting a dual focus on honouring the fallen while celebrating those still alive.

Nigeria marks the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day every January 15 in recognition of the sacrifices and service of its military personnel, past and present.