President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday led other top government officials to honour fallen and serving members of the Nigerian military at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) ceremony in Abuja.
The AFCRD is celebrated every January 15 to celebrate the sacrifices of both living and dead, both in foreign missions and internal security operations
The event began with the submission of the parade state by the parade commander, after which the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who represented the President, inspected the guard of honour, accompanied by the Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig. Gen. Adebisi Onasanya.
A firing party then led dignitaries to the cenotaph for the laying of wreaths.
The last post sounded in honour of fallen heroes as all present stood in respect.
Special prayers were later offered by an imam and a chaplain for the repose of the souls of the departed and the protection of serving personnel. This was followed by a minute of silence in honour of 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) , Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and High Commissioner of Cameroon, Salaheddine Ibrahima, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Waheedi Shaibu, 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 wreath-laying.
The President thereafter 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; 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 Rep Abbas Tajudeen; and members of the diplomatic corps, led by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and High Commissioner of Cameroon, Salaheddine Ibrahima.
Speaking to journalists after the event, the Minister of Defence reaffirmed the importance of honouring Nigeria’s fallen soldiers, wounded personnel, serving officers and their families, noting that the nation owes them continued appreciation 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 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.”
This came just as the Nigerian Legion pledged to work with the Federal Government to establish affordable housing estates for military veterans as part of efforts to ensure a smooth and dignified transition from active service to retirement.
The National Chairman of the Legion, Ms Grace Henry, made the promise while speaking with Defence Correspondents during the Wreath Laying Ceremony
Henry said that the housing initiative was aimed at ensuring that no retired service personnel were left without a home after years of dedicated service to the nation.
“We do not want our people to retire and have nowhere to go. We are creating a new Legion framework where veterans, widows and their families can have a place to live and a sense of belonging,” Henry said.
The legion chairman said welfare conditions for veterans and widows had improved in recent months, noting that pension payments were now more regular, leading to a significant reduction in street protests by retired personnel.
“For the past six months, we have not had our members on the streets again. Pensions are now being paid as and when due, and this has brought relief to widows and veterans,” she added.
Henry described the AFCRD as a comprehensive initiative that honoured fallen heroes while also celebrating serving and retired personnel.
She said the expansion of the former Armed Forces Remembrance Day into a week-long celebration had helped to deepen public awareness of the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the need for sustained support for their families
