Shettima, Akpabio leads armed forces celebration to honour fallen, serving heroes

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday led the commemoration of the 2025 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) at the National Arcade in Abuja.

The event, which honoured Nigeria’s fallen and serving heroes, featured a wreath-laying ceremony attended by top government officials, service chiefs, and members of the diplomatic corps.

First to lay the wreath was Vice President Shettima, followed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu (representing the House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas), and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kerere-Ekun.

Other dignitaries who participated included Defence Minister Muhammed Badaru, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, and service chiefs, including Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, and Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm.

Emmanuel Ogalla. Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun also took part in the event.

Representatives of the Nigerian Legion, Military Widows Association (MIWA), and members of the diplomatic community joined in laying wreaths, with Veronica Aluko, MIWA’s president, representing the widows of fallen officers.

The ceremony included the traditional firing of three volleys in memory of the fallen heroes, followed by the Vice President’s release of ceremonial pigeons, symbolizing peace and freedom.

Expanded Celebrations

This year’s AFCRD was preceded by week-long activities, including a Jumma’at prayer on January 10 at the National Mosque and an interdenominational Christian service on January 12. The Defence Headquarters hosted a lecture, art exhibition, and regimental dinner to recognize the contributions of armed forces personnel.

The event, previously known as Armed Forces Remembrance Day, was renamed to highlight not only the sacrifices of fallen heroes but also the dedication of serving military personnel.

A Tribute to Sacrifice

January 15 remains a solemn day for Nigeria to honour soldiers who lost their lives in the World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping missions, and various internal security operations.

It is also an opportunity to celebrate veterans still alive and seek support for the families of the fallen heroes, emphasizing the nation’s gratitude for their sacrifices.