Nigeria commemorated its fallen heroes on Monday, January 15th, with a somber yet resolute spirit during the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day. Across the nation, ceremonies and tributes echoed the collective grief and gratitude for the sacrifices made by brave men and women in uniform.
In Abuja, President Bola Tinubu led the national ceremony at the National Arcade, Eagle Square. The solemn event witnessed dignitaries, service chiefs, and veterans laying wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, their heads bowed in reverence. The air was thick with emotion as prayers, gun salutes, and the release of pigeons punctuated the silence. President Tinubu said, “We must ensure that the families of our fallen heroes are not forgotten, and that their sacrifices are not in vain.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on the sidelines of the ceremony, pledged the legislature’s commitment to improving the welfare of the nation’s military, ensuring their sacrifices are not in vain.
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Today, we honour and remember the sacrifices, commitment, and dedication of the servicemen and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces who answered the national call to serve and protect our nation over the years. pic.twitter.com/q8coTdOYis
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) January 15, 2024
Across the country, similar scenes unfolded. In Kaduna, Governor Uba Sani led the wreath-laying at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, while Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu paid respects at the Tafawa Balewa Square. In Taraba, Governor Kefas Agbu led the ceremony at the Jolly Nyame Stadium, and in Edo, Governor Godwin Obaseki inspected a guard of honor in Benin City.
Governor of Lagos State, Mr @jidesanwoolu today at the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Parade and Laying of the Wreaths Ceremony at the Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square Lagos. #ArmedForcesRemembranceDay #ArmedForcesRemembranceDay2024 @DefenceInfoNG @HQNigerianArmy… pic.twitter.com/mF8cwNYIoN
— Jubril A. Gawat (@Mr_JAGs) January 15, 2024
Political leaders also joined in the chorus of remembrance. Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party, lauded the military for their unwavering dedication to safeguarding Nigeria. He urged them to remain resolute in the face of insecurity, promising support and honoring the fallen heroes who paid the “ultimate sacrifice.”
