President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, hailed the sacrifices of the men and women of the Armed Forces who laid down and continue to lay down their lives to ensure Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
In a tweet posted on his official X handle to mark the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the President said, “Let us eschew violence and divisive tendencies for a peaceful and prosperous nation. Let us all become ambassadors of peace.”
The President, who was in the United Arab Emirates for the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, was represented at the laying of wreaths at the National Arcade in Abuja by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, ministers, service chiefs and others joined the Vice President to honour the fallen heroes in Abuja.
Governors, their deputies, speakers of the houses of assembly, and chief judges, among others, also honoured the fallen heroes in their respective states.
The event was the climax of activities for the 2025 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, usually marked every January 15, to mark the end of the Nigerian civil war in 1970.
Tinubu noted that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day allowed the nation to express its gratitude and pay tribute to “our ex-servicemen and women who selflessly sacrificed their lives to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria and other nations.
“Our nation is in dire need of peace, and so is the world. As we mark this solemn event today, remember that people laid down their lives, and many still do so, to guarantee our peaceful co-existence.”
The ceremony kicked off in Abuja at 10:07 am with Shettima’s arrival and his mounting of the saluting dais, where he took the national anthem.
Wednesday’s events included the last post, signalled by the bugle in memory of the fallen heroes, prayers by Christian and Muslim clerics, a minute’s silence and wreath laying, led by the Vice President.
Akpabio, Kalu, Justice Kekere-Ekun; Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, also laid wreaths.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also laid wreaths.
Others were the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Cameroonian Ambassador to Nigeria, Salaheddine Ibrahima; Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Maj Gen Abdulmalik Jubril (retd), and the representative of the Military Widows Association, Mrs Olubunmi Ese-Okiti.
The wreath-laying ceremony was followed by three-volley shots, after which Shettima signed the Armed Forces Remembrance Day anniversary register and released the white pigeons.
Briefing journalists after the event, Badaru said the ceremony showed surviving members of the families of the fallen heroes that their sacrifice remained fresh in the collective memory of the nation.
Maj Gen Jubril (retd) said Wednesday’s ceremony honoured the living servicemen and women as much as it honoured the fallen.
“My thought is of gratitude to the entire nation for coming together to support the fallen heroes, not only fallen heroes but those who have served and have retired but are living.
“More so, to those who are serving, this is a very excellent signal that even after service, even after sacrifices, Nigerians will not forget them; they’ll continue to support them,” he said.
Ese-Okiti urged the Federal Government to expedite life insurance claims for its members who lost their husbands in action.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari and the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, also attended the ceremony.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, at the parade held at the Arcade Ground of the Governor’s Office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, noted that the only way to immortalise the legacies of the fallen heroes was by ensuring that the families left behind were adequately taken care of by the government.
He said “We must not just remember our fallen heroes in just one day but we must take time out to remember them in our own little way, every day of the year. We should show them love.
“We should try and identify them and some of what they need is for us to show that we care about them.”
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, at the event held at the National Youth Service Corps Permanent Orientation Camp in Katsina, said, “The government of Katsina State remains resolute in supporting our veterans, armed forces, and security agencies in eliminating banditry and criminality.”
Radda, who laid wreaths alongside the deputy governor and others, expressed concern for the psychological and physical trauma endured by surviving service members and the lasting impact on families who lose their loved ones in the line of duty.
“These families bear the scars of their heroes’ sacrifice throughout their lifetime,” he said.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Katsina State chapter, Warrant Officer Ahmad Hussaini (retd), decorated Radda with the remembrance emblem to honour and support veterans and families of fallen heroes.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, at the wreath-laying ceremony, said “This day happens to be a day we celebrate every year in remembrance of our fallen heroes.
“My prayer is for God to grant the souls of our fallen heroes eternal rest and also to console their families.”
The governor was joined by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, military commanders, and the state commissioner of police, among others, to lay wreaths.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, called for support for the widows of the military men who lost their lives during active service for the country.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, at the laying of wreaths and empowerment of widows of the fallen heroes, the governor said the government would not abandon the widows but would continue to support them and other dependents.
“To widows of the fallen heroes, we recognise the challenges you face and the sacrifices you continue to make. We are committed to supporting you, ensuring that you have the resources, opportunities and recognition you deserve,” he said.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, assured that he would ramp up efforts to make lives more abundant for the servicemen, war veterans and other Ekiti residents.
This, the governor said, would be by “scaling up performance in the areas of road infrastructures, human capital development, security, job creation, food security and good governance.”
Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, praised the patriotism of the men and officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“I am committed to supporting the Legions as exemplified by my personal donation at the emblem launch and I am aware that the state government equally donated a sum of N10m for their support.
“This is an expression of my appreciation to the military personnel and the legionnaires on this important event. I can assure you that we will continue to do everything to make life more comfortable for you,” he said.
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, promised better welfare for legionnaires in the state.
The governor, speaking at the Executive Chamber of the Office of the Governor, also donated seven operational security vehicles to the Nigerian Legion offices across the geopolitical zones of the state.
The state also donated the sum of N25m to the Appeal Fund, according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
Responding to the appeal by the Chairman of the Oyo State command of the Nigerian Legion, DCG Julius Ogunkojo, Makinde promised to renovate the state headquarters of the Legion and extend the payment of N80,000 minimum wage to serving legionnaires, among others.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, lauded the Nigeria Armed Forces for their unwavering courage, sacrifice, patriotism, and dedication to safeguarding the nation.
At the wreath-laying held at the Aguiyi Ironsi Cenotaph, Umuahia, the governor noted the critical role they played in defending the nation’s sovereignty amidst rising threats of insecurity.
He noted that their sacrifices, which transcended the battlefield, formed the backbone of the nation’s stability.
The governor honoured the memories of the servicemen who died on active duty in different parts of the state last year, including Staff Sgt Charles Ugochukwu, Sgt Bala Abraham, Cpl Ugwu Gideon, Cpl Ikpeama Ikechukwu, Augustine Emmanuel, Lance Cpl Owolabi Ojo, Sgt Ojo Godwin, Cpl Aliu Sunday, and Lance Cpl Akhider Sunday.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, at the Isaac Adaka Boro Park, inspected the guard of honour mounted by officers of the Armed Forces and security agencies and laid a wreath alongside the deputy governor, speaker of the state House of Assembly, chief judge and service commanders, among others.
Fubara stressed the role every Nigerian must play in achieving enduring peace and security as they continued to support the security agencies in overcoming challenges confronting the country.
The governor pledged the sum of N50m to the widows of the fallen heroes to enable them to scale up their economic activities, pay rent and meet other needs.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, assured widows of fallen soldiers who served in various theatres of conflict that his government would continue to stand by them in prayers and support.
Speaking at the celebration held at the Cenotaph, Uyo, the governor highlighted the patriotic zeal of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He recalled the Okuama incident in Delta State where some Nigerian soldiers, fired by patriotic zeal, went to restore peace to the troubled communities but ended up paying the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
“We in Akwa Ibom will continue to celebrate and honour their sacrifices. Last year, I announced a donation of N100m to assist the widows deal with the pain associated with the loss of their husbands and breadwinners.
“We will continue to intentionally do all we can to assist them as well as the Nigerian Legionnaire.
“As the theme song of the Liverpool Football Club aptly says ‘You will not walk alone.’ The widows of our fallen soldiers and those who served the nation diligently will not walk alone. We will stand by you, pray with you and give you our support. May the souls of the gallant officers, men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces rest in peace,” he said.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State praised the bravery and sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces and veterans and acknowledged the nation’s eternal gratitude towards them.
Speaking on Wednesday, Mbah noted that cenotaphs across the country served as poignant reminders of the sacrifices made by armed forces personnel since colonial times.
He, therefore, called for both material and emotional support to both the families of the veterans and serving personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“On this very sombre day of remembrance, I reaffirm my administration’s continued support to the Armed Forces – the pride of our nation, bastion of unity, and potent symbol of our sovereignty. Our support is, of course, complementary to the immense efforts of the Federal Government.
“So, the wreaths we lay in honour of our fallen heroes are not mere gestures meant for TV cameras. They impose on us an obligation to offer a shoulder to their relatives who mourn, and cater to their material needs,” Mbah said.
The Gombe State government, in its commitment to the families of fallen heroes and veterans, donated N6m to the Nigerian Legion.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Manassah Jatau, during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held at Pantami Township Stadium in Gombe, stressed the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families.
Yahaya also acknowledged the role of security agencies in maintaining peace and security in the state.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, paid glowing tributes to the patriotism, courage and sacrifices of fallen heroes in the Nigerian Armed Forces, ascribing the nation’s unity and peace to their sacrifices.
In a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, Okpebholo urged all Nigerians, and Edo State citizens in particular to honour their memories by ensuring that the sacrifices of the fallen heroes were not in vain, emphasizing that caution must be taken to ensure that the even.
“Our fallen heroes have served and given their all by paying the ultimate price for the unity of this nation. We will continue to honor their memories and I pray that their souls continue to rest in peace.
“Nigeria is enjoying peace today and we are still united as a nation today because these gallant armed men laid their lives for the nation,” he said.
Okpebholo was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa; the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; the Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa; the Commander, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army; representative of the Oba of Benin, other security chiefs; and widows of some of the fallen heroes to lay wreaths in honour of the fallen heroes.
Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, donated N30m to widows of late military personnel who lost their lives in active service.
The governor also made donations of N10m to corps members and orphans of the 1 Battalion, Dukku Barrack, N15m to the officers and men of the 1 Battalion and also N15m to the 223 Light Tank, Zuru Barrack.
At the parade ground in commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day held at Haliru Audu Stadium, Birnin Kebbi, he described the celebration as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Nigerian Legion.
“Today, as we lay a wreath and observe a moment of silence, let us renew our commitment to uphold the values for which our armed forces stand,” he said.
