President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and governors in their various states Monday honoured the fallen heroes with the wreath-laying ceremony.
The president led the leadership of the National Assembly, the armed forces and other critical stakeholders to honour the county’s living and fallen heroes at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, situated at the National Arcade, Abuja.
The ceremony was the climax of the activities, which began with the launch of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem last October.
At the ceremony were the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria; Olukayode Ariwoola.
Others at the wreath-laying ceremony were the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa who led all the service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police, among others to grace the occasion organised to honour the country’s departed heroes
Christian and Muslim prayers were offered by the services clergymen for the living and peaceful repose of the souls of the departed heroes who fought gallantly for global peace. This was followed by the observance of a minute silence.
President Tinubu led the wreath-laying ceremony accompanied by the Commander, Guards Brigade at the foot of the Unknown Soldier.
This was followed by the President of the Senate, Speaker House of Representatives, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Minister of the FCT, Minister of State for Defence and the Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps in Nigeria.
The service chiefs as well as Inspector General of Police among others took their turns to lay wreaths respectively.
Ceremonial volleys were fired by armed soldiers as part of the activities performed at military ceremonies.
The event culminated in the signing of the anniversary register by President Tinubu before his symbolic release of white pigeons to signify peace.
The AFRDC is an annual event organised by the Ministry of Defence to commemorate the country’s fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of humanity during the First and Second World wars, the Nigerian Civil War, Peace Support Operations around the world, as well as various internal security operations.
The defense minister, who thanked the president for all the support and the love he showed for the fallen heroes and their families, charged the officers currently serving the nation to keep working very hard to rid the country of the menace of security challenges.
The National Assembly, under the chairmanship of Senate President Akpabio, pledged to give priority and undiluted attention to the welfare of the members of the Armed Forces commensurate with their commitment and patriotism to the nation.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives and his Deputy, Benjamin Kalu also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their gallantry and patriotism, saying that they remained one of the best in the world.
Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, called on the general public to support the families of the fallen soldiers and to assist those incapacitated in the cause of fighting to ensure peace and unity of the country.
Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule also expressed his administration’s commitment to continue to support the Nigeria Legion alongside the families of the fallen heroes to enable them to succeed.
Ekiti State governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, said the celebration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day annually was a loud confirmation that the war veterans were gallant and honourable in death while those still in the Armed Forces fighting the battles against insurgency, banditry and other criminalities, were still being dignified by the Nigerian citizens.
Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, called on all levels of government in the country to set up an endowment fund to cater to the welfare of families of fallen heroes.
Governor Nasiru Idris of Kebbi State yesterday donated to widows of soldiers that died while fighting to keep the country secured.
The governor while laying the wreath at the township stadium in Birnin Kebbi also gave 100 bags of assorted grains and two cows to the widows, N20m to officers and men of the 1 battalion, Dukku Barracks, 100 bags of assorted grains to legion and N20m to corps members serving in the state.
The governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, also promised to support the families of fallen heroes who served the state and country.
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State assured retired members of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the state of his administration’s support and assistance.
Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, asked Nigerians to embrace the spirit of brotherhood, uphold the spirit of nationhood and have faith in the leaders and government of the day.
The governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, described as profound the fierce operations of men and officers of the military against non-state actors who he said continued to cause insurrections.
Abia State governor, Dr Alex Otti, called on well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations and community leaders to initiate projects and programmes in support of the armed forces in appreciation of the sacrifices they made to promote peace and restore order and stability within the country, and across international borders.
The Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, presented the sum of N30 million in microcredit loans to 66 widows of fallen heroes in the state.
