President Bola Tinubu on Thursday joined top government officials to honour fallen and serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Ceremony held in Abuja.
The ceremony began with the presentation of the parade state by the parade commander, after which Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing the President, inspected the guard of honour alongside the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brig. Gen. Adebisi Onasanya.
A firing party later escorted dignitaries to the cenotaph for the laying of wreaths, followed by the sounding of the Last Post as attendees observed the moment in solemn respect for fallen heroes.
Special prayers were offered by an imam and a Christian chaplain for the repose of the souls of deceased soldiers and the safety of serving personnel, after which a minute of silence was observed.
Wreaths were laid at about 10:35 a.m., beginning with the Vice President, followed by the Senate President, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Minister of Defence, service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and representatives of the diplomatic corps, among other dignitaries.
After the wreath-laying, a three-volley gun salute was fired, while President Tinubu signed the anniversary register and released pigeons to symbolise peace and remembrance.
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; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; and members of the diplomatic community.
Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), stressed the importance of honouring fallen soldiers, wounded personnel, serving officers and their families, noting that the nation owes them lasting gratitude and support.
He explained that the observance has evolved from a single remembrance day into a week-long Armed Forces Celebration, designed to honour both fallen heroes and living service members.
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is marked annually on January 15 to recognise the sacrifices of Nigeria’s military personnel, past and present.
