By Obinna Uballa
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday led top government officials in paying tribute to Nigeria’s fallen and serving military personnel at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Ceremony held in Abuja.
Although Tinubu was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the ceremony followed full military honours. It commenced with the submission of the parade state by the parade commander, after which Shettima inspected the guard of honour alongside the Commander, Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya.
A firing party subsequently escorted dignitaries to the cenotaph for the laying of wreaths, as the Last Post was sounded in solemn remembrance of soldiers who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation. All present observed the moment in silence.
Special prayers were later offered by an imam and a Christian chaplain for the repose of the souls of the fallen and for the safety of officers still in active service, followed by a one-minute silence in honour of the departed.
At about 10:35 a.m., wreath-laying commenced, starting with the Vice President. 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 Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The ceremony climaxed with the firing of three volleys by the firing party. President Tinubu thereafter signed the anniversary register and released pigeons to symbolise peace and remembrance.
Among dignitaries at the event were the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; senior military commanders; and members of the diplomatic corps.
Speaking with journalists after the ceremony, the Minister of Defence stressed the need for sustained national support for Nigeria’s military, including families of fallen and wounded officers.
“It is always important to appreciate those who have made sacrifices – those who lost their lives, their family members, those who were injured, and those who are still serving,” he said. “This is a collective effort to remind them that Nigerians love them, pray for them, and must continue to support them.”
He explained that the observance has been expanded beyond a single day. “It is no longer just Armed Forces Remembrance Day. It is now a week-long Armed Forces Celebration, where we celebrate those who are alive and remember those who have passed on. That makes it more comprehensive,” he added.
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is observed annually on January 15 to honour the sacrifices of Nigeria’s living and fallen military personnel.
