President Bola Tinubu on Thursday joined senior government officials in paying solemn tribute to Nigeria’s fallen and serving military personnel at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Ceremony in Abuja.
The ceremony commenced with the formal presentation of the parade state by the parade commander, after which Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing the President, inspected the guard of honour alongside Brig. Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, Commander of the Guards Brigade.
A firing party then escorted dignitaries to the national cenotaph, where wreaths were laid in remembrance of soldiers who paid the ultimate price. The sombre atmosphere deepened as the Last Post was sounded, prompting all present to stand in honour of the fallen.
Religious leaders later offered prayers for the repose of departed soldiers and the safety of those still in service, followed by a minute of silence in their memory.
At about 10:35 a.m., the wreath-laying ceremony began, led by the Vice President, with subsequent tributes from the Senate President, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minister of Defence, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the Chief of Defence Staff, and other service chiefs, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Inspector-General of Police.
Three ceremonial volleys were fired after the wreath-laying, after which President Tinubu signed the anniversary register and released pigeons as a symbolic gesture of peace.
Among those in attendance were the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; and members of the diplomatic community led by Cameroon’s High Commissioner, Salaheddine Ibrahima.
Speaking to journalists after the event, the Minister of Defence emphasised the importance of recognising both fallen and serving military personnel, noting that the nation must continue to support their families and honour their sacrifices.
He highlighted that the commemoration has evolved beyond a single day, now encompassing a week-long programme known as the Armed Forces Celebration, which acknowledges both living and deceased soldiers.
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is observed annually on January 15 to honour the bravery and sacrifices of Nigeria’s military personnel.
