President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to Nigeria’s fallen military heroes and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of the Armed Forces as the nation marked the Armed Forces Remembrance and Celebration Day on January 15.
In a statement personally signed on Thursday, the president honoured the men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation’s freedom, peace, and unity.
“Their names might not always be remembered, but their courage sustains our freedom and peace. A nation that forgets its fallen heroes loses its direction; Nigeria, however, remembers,” Tinubu said.
Tribute to Families of Fallen Heroes
President Tinubu extended special recognition to the families of fallen service members, acknowledging their pain and assuring them that their sacrifices remain etched in the nation’s collective memory.
“I also speak today to the families of our fallen heroes — widows, children, and loved ones. Your loss is profound, and no words can replace the sacrifices of your loved ones. They served Nigeria with honour, and our people will never forget their sacrifices,” he stated.
The president emphasized that national remembrance goes beyond ceremonial observances, describing it as a moral obligation to honour those who gave their lives in service to Nigeria.
Commitment to Serving Personnel
While reflecting on the sacrifices of the fallen, Tinubu also celebrated members of the Armed Forces currently in active service, commending their discipline, courage, and professionalism across land, sea, and air operations.
“From the frontlines to support positions, you carry the heavy responsibility of protecting our people and sovereignty with discipline, courage, and professionalism, often far from home,” he said.
Reaffirming his role as Commander-in-Chief, Tinubu pledged continued government support for the Armed Forces, stressing that a secure Nigeria depends on the strength and wellbeing of those who defend it.
“As President and Commander-in-Chief, I reaffirm my commitment to the welfare and dignity of our Armed Forces. A secure Nigeria stands behind those who defend it. We will continue to support them in action,” he added.
Solemn Ceremony in Abuja
President Tinubu was represented at the Abuja ceremony by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who led dignitaries in commemorating the fallen heroes at the cenotaph.
Among those in attendance were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Benjamin Kalu, and Minister of Defence Christopher Musa.
The dignitaries were led in a solemn march by soldiers to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where wreaths were laid in honour of servicemen and women who died in the line of duty.
Prayers, Silence, and Gun Salute
Special interdenominational prayers were held for both the living and the fallen heroes who fought for national integration and global peace. The prayers were led by Colonel Rev. B.P. Nyam of the Nigerian Army (Protestant), Group Captain H. Idris of the Nigerian Air Force (Islamic Affairs), and Navy Captain Very Rev. Fr. R.C. Diala of the Nigerian Navy (Roman Catholic).
Following the prayers, a minute of silence was observed nationwide in honour of the fallen, immediately followed by the firing of artillery guns — a traditional military salute to fallen warriors.
The ceremony concluded with the wreath-laying ritual, symbolizing national gratitude and remembrance.
Significance of Armed Forces Remembrance Day
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC) is observed annually on January 15. The day honours Nigerian veterans of the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, and all servicemen and women who have served or continue to serve the nation.
The observance stands as a reminder of the cost of peace and the enduring responsibility to support those who safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty.
