Fallen heroes: Shettima, Abbas, others pen tribute to mark Armed Forces Remembrance Day
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In commemoration of Armed Forces Day, the presidency and other top leaders have penned their tribute to mark the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held every 15th of January.
According to Channels TV, at the iconic Eagle Square in Abuja, the entire nation stood to honour heroes who died in their fight for the country. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu, who has been away attending the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in the UAE.
Nigeria has come this far because of the sacrifices of armed men who have paid the price to bring the nation through various hurdles to reach its 64th independence celebration.
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Also, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, had described their sacrifice as the ultimate sacrifice.
“On behalf of the Senate Committee on the Nigerian Army, I wish to pay tribute to our fallen heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our great nation,” he said.
He went further to commend them for their effort in ensuring peace and security in the country.
“I wish to also commend our serving officers and soldiers who are currently maintaining the peace and ensuring that our nation is secured and safe from internal and external aggression. January 15th is a day set aside to remember and celebrate the bravery, patriotism, and selflessness of our military personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”
Also, Tribune reports that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, in commemorating Armed Forces Day, pledges the support of the House for security personnel.
In his speech, the honourable speaker called for more support for the Armed Forces and expressed gratitude for their wonderful work of protection and security of lives.
The speaker also went on to say that there cannot be economic growth and stability without the safety of lives and investments. He said the task of security is a collective responsibility of everyone and not government agencies alone.
Also, members of the public have taken to their social media accounts to celebrate the Armed Forces members in recognition of their invaluable work for the country.
What to know about Armed Forces Day
Apart from being a day for recognition of fallen soldiers and celebration of the patriotic works of soldiers, Armed Forces remembrance day is a remarkable know for many important events in the country.
First, the peculiarity of the date. Originally, it was celebrated on the 11th of November as obtainable in other Commonwealth countries, but was later changed to 15th of January to mark the end of the Nigerian civil war in 1970.
The introduction of the Armed Forces Emblem which is done on the eve of the Armed Forced remembrance day. The funds raised from this ceremony will be used to help the families of dead soldiers and everyone is encouraged to wear the emblem as a sign of support to fallen heroes.
The construction of cenotaph to honour soldiers who had died in battle even if they were buried elsewhere.
The wreath laying ceremony which is done by the president or his representative. This shows honour as the president and other dignitaries pays tribute to the fallen heroes.
The release of white pigeons to fly which symbolises peace and unity.
It’s a Nationwide celebration and once the wreath is laid on the cenotaph of a soldier, the emblem of the soldier will not be worn again as a sign of respect and honour to them.