President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and governors of the 36 states, along with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike have joined Nigerians to mark the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Henzodaily reports that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a yearly event used to pay honour to the sacrifices of men and women of the Armed Forces (Army, Navy and Air Force) and pay tribute to military men who paid the ultimate price.
Marked every 15th of January, President Tinubu, who was represented at the ceremonial ground at Eagle Square in Abuja, lauded the efforts of the military in protecting the territorial integrity of the nation.
The President promised to prioritize the welfare of the military and support their fight against insecurity with modern equipment.
In Abuja
The wreath-laying ceremony in Abuja had in attendance, Vice President Shettima, who represented President Tinubu; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; the FCT Minister, Wike; the Minister of Defence and his State counterpart, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle respectively.
Shettima laying wreath
Also present were service chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Shettima flanked by other dignitaries
The dignitaries took turns to lay wreaths in honour of fallen heroes who paid the supreme price for the safety of the nation.
In River State
Governor Fubara
Governor Siminalaya Fubara of River State, at the wreath-laying ceremony in Port Harcourt, pledged ₦50 million to support the widows of the fallen heroes.
“With profound gratitude, we honour the courage and sacrifice of our gallant servicemen and women.
“I pledge ₦50 million for the welfare of widows of our fallen heroes. It is our modest way of supporting their resilience. We will continue to uphold the legacies of our heroes and build a nation worthy of their service and sacrifice,” he said.
In Delta State
Governor Oborevwori laying the wreath
The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, at the wreath-laying ceremony in Asaba, commended the military for their sacrifices to the nation. He pledged that his administration would continue to support all policies that would help the military in the discharge of their duties.
In Adamawa State
Governor Fintiri marching with the wreath
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, at the wreath-laying ceremony, at Mahmud Ribadu Square, Yola, called for an end to unnecessary bloodshed in the country.
“We remember their sacrifices with profound gratitude and renew our commitment to supporting their families.
“I call for an end to the unnecessary bloodshed in our nation. Nigeria needs peace, unity, and collective resolve to overcome its challenges and achieve sustainable development.
“May the sacrifices of our heroes inspire us to build a stronger, safer, and more united Nigeria,” he said.
In Anambra State
Governor Soludo marching with the wreath
The Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, in the wreath-laying ceremony in Awka, commended the military for their efforts in addressing his state’s security issues.
“We remember the brave men and women who have served our nation with distinction, and those who continue to serve with valor and dedication. We acknowledge the sacrifices of our gallant men of the Anambra State Vigilante group, who have had to endure the pain of separation, the anxiety of uncertainty, and the grief of loss.
“In Anambra State, we are not immune to the security challenges plaguing our nation. The menace of insecurity has threatened our peace, stability, and prosperity. However, as wage this war against the enemies of our collective peace, we must recognize that they are familiar foes who do not deserve any form of support or cover from us,” he stated.
In Ogun State
Governor Dapo laying the wreath
The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, said the wreath-laying ceremony symbolized deep respect and gratitude to military men and women for their service and courage.
“The wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph symbolized our deep respect and gratitude for their courage. We also remembered the families of our fallen heroes—widows, widowers, and children—reaffirming our commitment to their welfare,” Dapo said.
In Kaduna State
The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, at the wreath-laying ceremony in Kaduna, called for reflection on the challenges facing the nation.
He emphasized that crises and conflicts have continued to affect the nation’s development. Governor Sani thanked the military for its efforts in protecting the country.
“As we mark this day, we must take a moment and reflect on the challenges of nation-building and the urgent need to rededicate ourselves to the building and consolidation of peace and unity in our dear country. Crisis and conflicts have continued to retard our progress and development. Resources that ought to be invested in addressing developmental challenges are deployed to managing crisis and confronting non-state actors laying siege to our communities.
“Members of the Armed Forces are in various fronts making huge sacrifices to keep us safe and secure. We owe them a debt of gratitude. We must continue to honour our fallen heroes by making our contributions to the forging of unity and enhancing peaceful co-existence in our respective communities,” he said.
In Plateau State
On his part, the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, at the wreath-laying ceremony in Jos, said the Nigerians would not forget the critical roles of the military in protecting the nation.
He added that Nigerians owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to the men and women of Nigeria Armed Forces.
“As Nigerians, we must never forget the critical role the military plays in protecting our nation, especially during these times of conflict and insecurity. We owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to those who risk their lives daily for our safety and sovereignty.
“I want to personally thank our gallant men and women in the Armed Forces for their unwavering commitment to our nation. Your sacrifices, both at home and on foreign soil, will never go unnoticed,” Muftwang said.