Tinubu Leads Nigerians to Observe 2026 Armed Forces Celebration, Remembrance Day
On
January 15, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Nigerians in commemorating
the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, a solemn occasion dedicated
to honouring officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces who paid the ultimate
price in defence of the nation.
Although President Tinubu was represented at the national ceremony in Abuja by Vice President Kashim Shettima, his message resonated deeply across the country. Delivered through his verified X handle, the President reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and dignity of the Armed Forces, assuring serving personnel that Nigeria stands firmly behind those who defend its sovereignty.
The
ceremony, held at the National Arcade, featured the traditional laying of
wreaths at the cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier. Vice President Shettima was
joined by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu
representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Justice Kudirat
Kekere-Ekun, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff General
Olufemi Oluyede, Service Chiefs, senior military officers, members of the
Diplomatic Corps, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Grace Morenike
Henry. The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mariya Mahmoud
Bunkure, represented the territory in place of Minister Nyesom Wike.
In his
remarks, President Tinubu emphasized that the annual commemoration is not only
a time to pause and honour the fallen but also a reminder of the nation’s
collective responsibility to uphold their legacy. He paid tribute to the
families of fallen heroes, acknowledging the profound grief borne by widows,
children, and loved ones, while assuring them that their sacrifices would never
be forgotten. He also celebrated serving personnel across all formations,
commending their courage, discipline, and professionalism in protecting lives
and property on land, sea, and air, often at great personal cost.
The Armed
Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, organized annually by the Ministry of
Defence, honours personnel who died during the First and Second World Wars, the
Nigerian Civil War, peace support operations, and internal security
engagements, including the ongoing fight against terrorism.
Beyond
remembrance, the event also celebrates living veterans and mobilizes support
for the welfare of wounded service members and the families of fallen heroes.
Highlights
of the 2026 ceremony included artillery gun salutes, the firing of volleys, a
minute of silence, and the symbolic release of pigeons to signify peace and
national unity.
The day
also underscored recent operational gains by the Armed Forces in the North-East
and other parts of the country, reflecting the courage and professionalism of
troops confronting Nigeria’s security challenges.
President
Tinubu concluded his message with prayers for the repose of the souls of the
fallen, renewed strength for the Armed Forces, and God’s continued blessings on
Nigeria. His words captured the essence of the day: remembrance, gratitude, and
a reaffirmation of national unity built upon the sacrifices of those who gave
their lives for the country
No comments:
Post a Comment