Tinubu Leads National Tribute to Fallen Heroes at 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day
President Bola Tinubu, alongside Senate President Sen. Godswill Akpabio, members of the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly, service chiefs, and the diplomatic corps, gathered in Abuja to pay tribute to Nigeria’s fallen and living heroes. The occasion marked the culmination of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC), featuring the solemn laying of wreaths at the National Arcade.
The ceremony commenced with President Tinubu laying the first wreath, followed by Senate President Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. Other dignitaries who paid their respects included Minister of Defence Alhaji Muhammed Badaru, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesome Wike, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, and top military officials such as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa, Chiefs of Army and Air Staff Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
The wreath-laying ceremony was also attended by members of the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian Legion, and widows of late officers and soldiers, represented by the President of the Military Widows Association (MIWA) Mrs. Veronica Aluko. In a symbolic gesture of national peace and freedom, President Tinubu signed the anniversary register and released ceremonial pigeons.
The AFRDC, which began with Jumma’at prayers at the National Mosque on January 12 and an Interdenominational Christian service on January 14, also featured sporting events like a golf tournament and a paintball combat competition organized by the Defence Headquarters.
Globally recognized, the AFRDC serves to acknowledge the sacrifices made by citizens for the cause of peace. In Nigeria, January 15 is dedicated annually to honor fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives in World Wars I and II, the Nigerian Civil War, peace missions, and various internal security operations. The event is also a platform to honor living veterans and raise support for the families of fallen heroes.
Daily Nigerian
