Abuja: President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Thursday led the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, members of the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly, service chiefs, and diplomatic corps to honor the nation’s fallen and living heroes. The event, which involved the laying of wreaths at the National Arcade in Abuja, was the climax of activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Vice President was the first to lay the wreath, followed by the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kerere-Ekun. The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Dean of Diplomatic Corps, the High Commissioner of Cameroon to Nigeria, Salaheddine Ibrahima, also took part in the wreath-laying ceremony.
They were joined by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbaa; Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. Other dignitaries included the National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Ms. Grace Henry, and representative of military widows, Mrs. Cynthia Dusu.
The event featured the firing of three volleys in honor of the fallen heroes, a tradition originating from the old custom of halting combat to remove the dead from the battlefield. The Vice President subsequently signed the anniversary register and released ceremonial pigeons as a symbol of national peace and freedom.
The celebration began with a series of activities, including the Jumma’at prayer on January 9 at the National Mosque and an Interdenominational Christian service on January 11. This year’s celebration also featured social events, award evenings for soldiers, ratings, and airmen, and a Regimental Dinner and Award Night for officers organized by the Defence Headquarters.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Defence Headquarters hosted a symposium and lecture series on Monday, followed by a Gala and Award Night on Tuesday, and a medical outreach to military veterans and their families on Wednesday in Abuja. The event, formerly known as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, has been renamed to Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day to celebrate and honor the serving personnel of the armed forces. It is observed globally to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices made for the cause of peace.
In Nigeria, January 15 is set aside annually to honor the fallen heroes who laid down their lives during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peace missions, and various internal security operations. The event also serves to honor veterans still alive and as a medium for soliciting financial, moral, and material support for the families of the fallen heroes.