President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to Nigeria’s fallen soldiers and restated his commitment to supporting the Armed Forces.
Tinubu honoured the fallen heroes on Thursday as Nigeria marked Armed Forces Remembrance and Celebration Day.
In a statement he personally signed on Thursday, the President remembered the men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces who lost their lives while serving the nation.
He said their bravery continues to uphold Nigeria’s peace and freedom, even if their names are not always remembered.
“Their names might not always be remembered, but their courage sustains our freedom and peace. A nation that forgets its fallen heroes loses its direction; Nigeria, however, remembers,” the President said.
Tinubu also addressed the families of the fallen heroes, acknowledging their pain and assuring them that the country remains grateful for the sacrifices made by their loved ones.
“I also speak today to the families of our fallen heroes — widows, children, and loved ones. Your loss is profound, and no words can replace the sacrifices of your loved ones. They served Nigeria with honour, and our people will never forget their sacrifices,” he said.
He praised serving military personnel for their dedication and professionalism, noting that they continue to protect the nation across land, sea, and air, often under difficult conditions and far from home.
The President reaffirmed his role as Commander-in-Chief by pledging continued support for the welfare and dignity of members of the Armed Forces, stressing that a secure nation must stand firmly behind those who defend it.
“Today, we celebrate our serving personnel. From the frontlines to support positions, on land, sea, and air, you carry the heavy responsibility of protecting our people and sovereignty with discipline, courage, and professionalism, often far from home.
“As President and Commander-in-Chief, I reaffirm my commitment to the welfare and dignity of our Armed Forces. A secure Nigeria stands behind those who defend it. We will continue to support them in action,” Tinubu added.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Tinubu at the official ceremony held in Abuja on Thursday.
Other top government officials present included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Benjamin Kalu, and Minister of Defence Christopher Musa.
During the event, dignitaries were led by soldiers in a solemn procession to the cenotaph, where wreaths were laid in honour of those who died in service to the country.
Special prayers were offered for both fallen and serving military personnel. The prayers were led by senior religious officers from the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
A minute of silence was observed to remember the fallen heroes, followed by the ceremonial firing of artillery guns. The wreath-laying continued at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed every year on January 15. It honours Nigerian veterans of the First and Second World Wars, the civil war, and all members of the Armed Forces who have served and sacrificed for the nation.
KanyiDaily recalls that President Bola Tinubu recently appointed Olugbemisola Odusote as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Law School (NLS).
