President Bola Tinubu has promised the nation’s fallen heroes that their sacrifices will not be in vain.
Speaking on Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, the President, in a post on his X page, said Nigerians will continue to honour the sacrifices by fostering unity and peace, stating
He highlighted the bravery of ex-servicemen and women who gave their lives to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity and promote global peace.
President Tinubu underscored the significance of the solemn occasion, reminding citizens of the sacrifices made to ensure the country’s security and peaceful coexistence.
“As we mark this solemn event, let us remember those who laid down their lives and those who continue to do so to guarantee our unity and peace,” he said.
The president urged Nigerians to eschew violence and divisive tendencies, and advocated collective efforts to build a prosperous and harmonious nation.
“We must become ambassadors of peace, working together to create a future filled with hope and optimism,” Tinubu remarked.
The president reiterated the need for national solidarity: “Let us come together to ensure that the sacrifices of our heroes are not in vain. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he declared.
Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday represented President Bola Tinubu as the special guest of honour at the National Arcade, the venue of the activities climaxing the 2025 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day parade in Abuja.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration is an annual event organised by the Ministry of Defence to commemorate the country’s fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of humanity during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, Peace Support Operations around the world, and various Internal Security Operations. It is celebrated every 15th January.
Hitherto, it was conducted on 11th November alongside other Commonwealth nations.
Vice President Shettima, led by the Commander of Guards Brigade, represented President Tinubu, currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
Tinubu left Abuja last Saturday to attend the 2025 edition of Sustainability Week (ADSW 2025) in Abu Dhabi.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, invited President Tinubu to attend the Summit, which began on Monday in the emirate and will end on Friday, January 18, 2025.
The Summit aims to unite global leaders to accelerate sustainable development and advance socioeconomic progress.
Dignitaries that attended the Armed Forces Day event included the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
Others present were the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by his deputy, Hon Benjamin Kalu; the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Abubakar Badaru, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Vice President Shettima released white pigeons in commemoration of this year’s event.
Also, governors in Nigeria have paid tribute to the country’s fallen heroes and acknowledged its indebtedness to their sacrifices, urging those in service to safeguard the country’s sovereignty.
During the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony held at IBB Square in Bauchi, the State Governor, Bala Mohammed, charged the Armed Forces to remain resilient in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He praised the sacrifices and contributions of the Armed Forces and recognised their role in maintaining Nigeria’s security and stability.
The governor urged active service members and officers to intensify their efforts to secure the nation, assuring them that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
Governor Mohammed also prayed for the repose of the fallen heroes and appealed for continued support to their families beyond the annual celebrations.
For his part, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State attributed the state’s relative peace to the sacrifices and dedication of the nation’s fallen heroes.
He made this statement during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held in Katsina on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event, Governor Radda commended the bravery and professionalism of the armed forces and noted their pivotal role in maintaining security across the country.
“Our courageous men and women have endured immense hardship, some sustaining injuries or paying the ultimate sacrifice during ongoing operations across various parts of the country,” he said.
The commander of the 17 Brigade, Katsina, Brigadier General Babatunde Omopariola, thanked Governor Radda for his unwavering support to the armed forces.
The event featured the laying of wreaths, the release of live pigeons, a three-gun salute, a parade, and prayers for the souls of the departed heroes, symbolizing the state’s profound respect and gratitude for their sacrifices.
In his own goodwil message in Lokoja , Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo pledged total support to the families of the nation’s fallen heroes for their bravery and patriotism.
The governor also announced the immediate enrollment of the widows and children of the fallen heroes in free health insurance coverage under the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme.
He pledged his continued support to the injured officers and men of the armed forces in Kogi State and called for unity in building a nation worthy of their sacrifices.
Meanwhile, some residents at the ceremony expressed gratitude to the armed forces and urged continuous support for their families and others still in service.
COAS Reaffirms Commitment To Troops Welfare
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the current administration’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of troops and their families.
The COAS stated this in a goodwill message to officers, soldiers, and their families on the occasion of the Armed Forces and Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC) 2025.
General Oluyede, in a statement by the Director of Information, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, acknowledged the supreme sacrifice made by fallen heroes: gallant men and women who defended Nigeria’s unity, peace, and stability with their lives.
According to him, the celebration honours the dead and living heroes and heroines, as well as serving and retired personnel in recognition of their outstanding bravery and valour.
He also recognised the contributions of veterans who fought to procure the peace and harmony the nation enjoys, emphasizing the importance of embracing understanding and peace in the face of diversity and ideological differences.
The Army Chief congratulated service veterans and their families for being part of history and active service personnel who continue to safeguard the nation’s defence and security.
“The acts of bravery and gallantry of the majority may never make it into history books, but you will be written in the hearts and minds of humanity”, he said.
He urged active service men and women of the Nigerian Army and sister services to keep a tight rein on the country’s defence and security, stressing that the sacrifices being made today are to secure the wellbeing of generations yet unborn.
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