By Mariam Sanni
Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday led Senate President Godswill Akpabio, members of the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly members, service chiefs and diplomatic corps to honour the nation’s fallen and living heroes.
The event, which involved the laying of wreaths at the National Arcade in Abuja, was the climax of activities for the 2025 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, AFCRD.
First to lay the wreath was the vice president, followed by the Senate president, Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by his Deputy, Benjamin Kalu, and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kerere-Ekun.
Wreaths were also laid by the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, his Federal Capital Territory counterpart, Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
They were followed by the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.
Other dignitaries who also performed the wreath-laying ceremony were members of the diplomatic corps, tNigerian Legion and widows of late officers and soldiers represented by the Interim President, Military Widows Association, MIWA, Olubunmi Ese-Okiti.
There was also the firing of three volleys in honour of the fallen heroes which has its origin in the old custom of halting fighting in the warfront to remove the dead from the battlefield.
The vice president thereafter signed the anniversary register and released the ceremonial pigeons as a symbol of national peace and freedom.
The celebration started with a series of activities, including the jumma’at prayer on January 10 at the National Mosque and interdenominational Christian service on January 12.
This year’s celebration also featured other activities such as social and award evening for soldiers, ratings and airmen and Regimental Dinner and Award night for officers organised by the Defence Headquarters, among other activities.
The day is celebrated globally to recognise and appreciate the sacrifices made by citizens for the cause of peace.
In Nigeria, January 15 is set aside annually to honour the fallen heroes who laid down their lives in service to humanity during the First and Second World Wars, Nigerian Civil War, peace missions and various internal security operations.
The event is also used to honour veterans still alive and as a medium for soliciting financial, moral and material support for the families of the fallen heroes.
