By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, 15 January, 2026 joined top government officials and security chiefs to honour Nigeria’s fallen and serving military personnel at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Ceremony held in Abuja, underscoring the nation’s continued gratitude for their sacrifices.
The ceremony commenced with the submission of the parade state by the parade commander. Thereafter, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President, inspected the guard of honour, accompanied by the Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig. Gen. Adebisi Onasanya.
Subsequently, a firing party led dignitaries to the cenotaph for the laying of wreaths. The Last Post was sounded in honour of fallen heroes, as all present stood in solemn respect.
Following this, special prayers were offered by an imam and a chaplain for the repose of the souls of departed soldiers and the protection of serving personnel. The prayers were followed by a minute of silence in honour of those who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.
At about 10:35 a.m, wreath-laying at the cenotaph began with the Vice President. Others who followed included the Senate President, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and High Commissioner of Cameroon,Salaheddine Ibrahima, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. 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, among other officials.
After the wreath-laying, three volleys were fired by the firing party.
The President later signed the anniversary register and released pigeons to symbolise peace and remembrance.
Speaking to journalists after the event, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, reaffirmed the importance of honouring fallen soldiers, wounded personnel, serving officers, and their families. He said the nation owes them sustained appreciation and support.
“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,” Musa said.
According to him, the remembrance is a collective effort to encourage the armed forces and assure them of the nation’s support and prayers.
He further explained that the scope of the event has expanded beyond a single day. “It is no longer only the Armed Forces Remembrance Day. Now, we have a week-long programme of activities,” he said.
He added that the event has been renamed the Armed Forces Celebration, noting that it now recognises both the living and the fallen. “We celebrate those who are alive and remember those who have passed on. I think that is very comprehensive,” Musa said.
