Nigeria honors fallen heroes: Tinubu, Akpabio, and dignitaries mark Armed Forces Remembrance Day
In a poignant and solemn gathering at the National Arcade in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu, alongside Senate President Sen. Godswill Akpabio, members of the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly, service chiefs, and representatives of the diplomatic corps, led the nation in honoring fallen and living heroes during the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC).
AFRDC highlights
The culmination of the AFRDC took the form of a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Arcade, a symbolic gesture recognizing the sacrifices made by citizens for the cause of peace. The President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Olukayode Ariwoola were among the dignitaries who laid wreaths.
Dignitaries participate in wreath-laying ceremony
The solemn event saw a procession of leaders and representatives paying their respects. The wreath-laying commenced with President Tinubu, and others followed suit, including Minister of Defence Alhaji Muhammed Badaru, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesome Wike, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Chiefs of Army, Air Staff, and Naval Staff, among others.
Tribute to fallen heroes: Firing of Three Volleys and Symbolic Gestures
As part of the tribute to fallen heroes, three volleys were fired, harkening back to the old custom of halting fighting on the warfront to remove the dead from the battlefield. President Tinubu, in a symbolic act, signed the anniversary register and released ceremonial pigeons as a representation of national peace and freedom.
A week of commemoration: Religious services and sporting activities
The AFRDC was not confined to a single day. The week leading up to the culmination ceremony featured a Jumma’at prayer at the National Mosque on January 12 and an Interdenominational Christian service on January 14. Sporting activities, including a golf tournament and paintball combat competition organized by the Defence Headquarters, added a dynamic aspect to the celebration.
A global tradition: Recognizing sacrifices for peace
The AFRDC is celebrated globally to acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices made by citizens for the cause of peace. In Nigeria, January 15 is dedicated annually to honor the fallen heroes who laid down their lives during the first and second world wars, the Nigerian civil war, peace missions, and various internal security operations.
Veterans and families: Central focus of AFRDC
Beyond commemorating the fallen, the AFRDC serves as an avenue to honor living veterans and as a platform for soliciting financial, moral, and material support for the families of the fallen heroes. The nation collectively pays homage to those who have served and continue to serve, recognizing their enduring contributions to the country’s safety and security.
