Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Nigerian Leaders Pay Tribute to Fallen Heroes

By Esi-ife Arogundade

Prominent Nigerian leaders and military chiefs gathered at the National Arcade in Abuja on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, to honour the nation’s fallen heroes during the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day. President Bola Tinubu was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who served as the special guest of honour at the event.

The high-profile ceremony commenced with Shettima laying wreaths at the cenotaph alongside other senior government officials. The occasion also featured a ceremonial release of white pigeons as a symbol of peace and remembrance.

In attendance were key figures from the Nigerian military and government, including Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, service chiefs, and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.

Notable government officials such as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas (represented by his deputy Benjamin Kalu), and Chief of Staff to the President Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila also honoured the day.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike and Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru, along with members of the diplomatic corps, participated in the commemoration, reflecting a unified recognition of the military’s sacrifices.

Governors from various states across Nigeria also marked the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, praising the military’s pivotal role in safeguarding democracy and peace.

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an annual event organized by the Ministry of Defence to pay tribute to the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peace support operations globally, and various internal security operations.

The date of January 15 was chosen to commemorate the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970, a time when Nigeria previously observed the event on November 11 alongside other Commonwealth nations.

This year’s event served as a poignant reminder of the bravery and commitment of those who served, reinforcing the nation’s gratitude towards its military personnel.