President Bola Tinubu on Thursday led senior government officials to honour fallen and serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces during the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Ceremony in Abuja.
The event commenced with the submission 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, Guards Brigade, Brig. Gen. Adebisi Onasanya. A firing party then escorted dignitaries to the cenotaph for wreath-laying.
The Last Post was sounded in memory of fallen heroes as all attendees stood in solemn respect. Special prayers were offered by an imam and a chaplain for the repose of the departed and the protection of serving personnel, followed by a minute of silence.
At approximately 10:35 a.m., wreaths were laid at the cenotaph, beginning with the Vice President, followed by the Senate President, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Cameroon’s High Commissioner, 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, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibas Abbas, the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and other officials. Three volleys were fired by the firing party following the wreath-laying.
President Tinubu then signed the anniversary register and released pigeons to commemorate the occasion.
Dignitaries present included the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; members of the diplomatic corps; and other top government officials.
Speaking to journalists, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), emphasized the importance of recognising both fallen and serving soldiers, as well as their families. He noted that the ceremony now forms part of a week-long programme renamed Armed Forces Celebration, reflecting efforts to honour both living and deceased personnel.
He stated, “It is always important to appreciate those who have made sacrifices — those who lost their lives, their family members, those injured, and those still serving. Nigerians face challenges, love their armed forces, and are praying for them. This week-long programme celebrates all aspects of their service.”
Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is observed annually on January 15 to honour the sacrifices of Nigeria’s military personnel, both living and fallen, through parades, prayers, wreath-laying, and public ceremonies.
Elijah Adeyemi
