President Bola Tinubu led senior government officials in a tribute to Nigeria’s military personnel at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Ceremony in Abuja on Thursday. President Bola Tinubu on Thursday led senior government officials in paying tribute to Nigeria’s military personnel during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Ceremony in Abuja.
The ceremony began with the parade commander submitting the parade state, followed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing the President, inspecting the guard of honour alongside Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya, Commander of the Guards Brigade.
A firing party then led dignitaries to the cenotaph, where the Last Post was sounded and a minute of silence was observed in memory of the fallen soldiers. An imam and a Christian chaplain offered special prayers for the deceased and the safety of serving officers.
The wreath-laying ceremony began at 10:35 a.m., with the Vice President leading off. Others who laid wreaths included the Senate President; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd); the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and High Commissioner of Cameroon, Salaheddine Ibrahima; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waheedi Shaibu; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibas Abbas; and the firing party, which fired three volleys to mark the occasion.
President Tinubu then signed the anniversary register before releasing pigeons as a symbol of peace and remembrance.
Other dignitaries who attended the event included Nigeria’s Chief Justice, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; and diplomatic corps members.
Following the ceremony, the Minister of Defence emphasised the importance of honouring the sacrifices of both fallen and serving soldiers, as well as supporting their families.
“It is critical to remember those who have made sacrifices, including those who have died, those who have been injured, and those who continue to serve. “Nigerians must continue to appreciate, encourage, and support them,” he stated.
He mentioned that the observance has expanded beyond a single day. “It’s no longer just Armed Forces Remembrance Day. “It is now a week-long Armed Forces Celebration, where we celebrate the living while also remembering those who have passed,” he said.
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is observed annually on January 15 to honour the bravery and sacrifices of Nigeria’s military personnel.
Leave a Reply