January 15: It’s Now Armed Forces Celebration And Remembrance Day — DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that the annual January 15 event to honour military personnel has now been christened ‘Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day’, and no longer ‘Armed Forces Remembrance Day’.

According to a statement signed by Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, on Thursday, the Federal Government of Nigeria officially adopted the new name to better reflect the dual essence of the occasion, honouring both living and fallen members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

The DHQ spokesman noted that the clarification on the nomenclature became necessary to guide the media and public discourse.

“January 15 is set aside annually by the Federal Government of Nigeria to honour the living personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria while acknowledging the sacrifices of those who have paid the supreme price to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity as well as the lives and properties of its citizens,” the statement read.

It explained that the day, which culminates in a grand parade and wreath-laying ceremony, follows a week of activities across the country.

General Uba further noted that the name change from “Armed Forces Remembrance Day” to “Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day” was intended “to better reflect the dual essence of the occasion in honouring the living while also acknowledging the fallen heroes.”

The DHQ, therefore, urged media practitioners to adopt and use the correct name in all future reports and publications.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria respectfully urges guardians of the fourth estate to adopt ‘Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day’ in all future coverage,” Uba stated.

He expressed appreciation for the media’s continued support of the military, saying the AFN “appreciates the media’s unwavering support in the fight against insecurity and looks forward to even stronger collaboration ahead.”

LEADERSHIP reports that the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is observed annually on January 15 to commemorate the end of the Nigerian Civil War and to honour the bravery and sacrifice of Nigeria’s military men and women.