Abuja, Nigeria – Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside Senate President Godswill Akpabio, members of the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly, service chiefs, and the diplomatic corps, led a solemn ceremony on Wednesday to honour the nation’s fallen and living heroes during the 2025 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD).
The event, held at the National Arcade in Abuja, marked the culmination of a series of activities commemorating the sacrifices of Nigeria’s military personnel. The ceremony began with Vice President Shettima laying the first wreath, followed by Senate President Akpabio and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who represented Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kerere-Ekun, and other dignitaries also participated in the wreath-laying tradition.
Key figures such as the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesome Wike, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle paid their respects alongside service chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. Representatives of the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian Legion, and the Military Widows Association (MIWA), led by President Veronica Aluko, also laid wreaths.
The ceremony included the symbolic firing of three volleys, an age-old tradition signifying respect for the fallen. Vice President Shettima signed the anniversary register and released ceremonial pigeons, symbolizing peace and freedom.
The AFCRD celebration spanned several days, beginning with a Jumma’at prayer on January 10 at the National Mosque and an Interdenominational Christian service on January 12. Other highlights included social and award evenings, a regimental dinner and award night for officers, and a military exhibition showcasing locally produced equipment.
The event, previously known as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, was renamed to also celebrate serving military personnel. It provides an opportunity to solicit support for the families of fallen heroes and living veterans. Observed annually on January 15 in Nigeria, the day commemorates those who lost their lives in service during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping missions, and internal security operations.
This global tradition of remembrance serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for national and global peace.
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