By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s fallen heroes and reaffirmed his support for the nation’s Armed Forces as the country observed Armed Forces Remembrance and Celebration Day.
In a statement personally signed on Thursday, Tinubu paid tribute to the men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation. “Their names might not always be remembered, but their courage sustains our freedom and peace. A nation that forgets its fallen heroes loses its direction; Nigeria, however, remembers,” he said.
The President also acknowledged the families of the fallen, offering condolences and pledging that their sacrifices will never be forgotten. “I also speak today to the families of our fallen heroes — widows, children, and loved ones. Your loss is profound, and no words can replace the sacrifices of your loved ones. They served Nigeria with honour, and our people will never forget their sacrifices,” he added.
While celebrating active members of the Armed Forces for their discipline, courage, and professionalism, Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to their welfare and dignity. “From the frontlines to support positions, on land, sea, and air, you carry the heavy responsibility of protecting our people and sovereignty with discipline, courage, and professionalism, often far from home,” he said. “As President and Commander-in-Chief, I reaffirm my commitment to the welfare and dignity of our Armed Forces. A secure Nigeria stands behind those who defend it. We will continue to support them in action.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Tinubu at the official activities in Abuja on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Benjamin Kalu, and Minister of Defence Christopher Musa were also in attendance.
The dignitaries participated in a solemn march led by soldiers to the cenotaph, where they laid a wreath in memory of those who gave their lives in service to the nation. Special prayers were conducted for both living and fallen personnel, led by Colonel Rev. B.P. Nyam (Army, Protestant), Group Captain H. Idris (Air Force, Islamic Affairs), and Navy Captain Very Rev. Fr. R.C. Diala (Roman Catholic).
A minute of silence was observed, followed by the firing of the artillery gun, before the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Armed Forces Remembrance and Celebration Day, observed annually on January 15, honours veterans of World War I, World War II, the Nigerian Civil War, and all servicemen and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
