By Mariam Sanni
Federal government has designated January 15 annually as the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
It said the day would mark a solemn and symbolic occasion to honour serving personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, while paying tribute to the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the nation’s territorial integrity and the safety of citizens.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, who clarified that the annual observance was correctly known as Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, not Armed Forces Remembrance Day as it is often reported.
He explained that the name change was deliberately adopted to reflect the dual essence of the occasion, celebrating the living and remembering the dead.
According to the statement, the commemoration is preceded by a week-long programme of activities across the country, culminating in a grand parade and wreath-laying ceremony held every January 15 in honour of serving and fallen personnel of the armed forces.
He noted that the revised nomenclature underscored the nation’s appreciation of the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of troops who continue to serve, while ensuring that the memories of those who lost their lives in the line of duty remain permanently etched in national consciousness.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria also appealed to members of the media to consistently adopt the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in future reports and coverage relating to the annual event.
While expressing appreciation for the media’s unwavering support in the fight against insecurity, the armed forces reaffirmed its commitment to deeper collaboration with journalists and media organisations in the collective effort to promote national unity, security and public understanding of military affairs.
