President Muhamadu Buhari, will on October 26, launch the Emblem for this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, Minister of Defence, Major General Salihi Magashi (rtd), has confirmed.
According to the Minister, “the event would afford Nigerians a great opportunity to identify with our veterans and their families. Nigerians and friends of Nigeria, including those who have investments in Nigeria would be required to make financial and material donations as well as procure and wear the Emblem with pride in support of the families of the fallen heroes and surviving veterans”.
Magashi spoke at a ministerial briefing to kick off the Armed Forces Day celebration at the National Defence College, Abuja.
He was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana.
He said: “The Emblem launch will take place at Council Chambers, State House Aso Villa on 26th October, 2022. The event would be carried out by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR who is also the Grand Patron of the Nigerian Legion.
“Armed Forces Remembrance Day is not being celebrated in Nigeria alone. It is an important event celebrated and observed globally. Formerly, in league with the Commonwealth member countries, Nigeria used to hold the celebration on the Eleventh Day of November annually.
“It commemorates the end of the World War I which officially took place at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month (November) 1918. But in order to reflect on our own historical experience as a nation, 15 January was selected to observe the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration so as to commemorate the end of the Nigeria Civil war. Thus it serves as a reminder on the need for peaceful coexistence as Nigerians.
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“The heroes/heroines this event seeks to honour includes but is not limited to those who sacrificed their lives in service to humanity during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil war, Peace Support Operations across the globe and various Internal Security Operations, particularly the on-going banditry.
“The war against terror and lately banditry has been long and war against terrorism and hard with twists and turns. However, I am glad to say that our Armed Forces has been able to put the situation under control. This trend will be sustained and improved upon. We have witnessed the mass surrender of bandits as a result of the military onslaught against them.
“The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration remains an opportunity for all to appreciate and give back to our military, veterans and families of the departed heroes. The military operations have taken its toll on our our service personnel. While some lost their lives, others have sustained injuries that have incapacitated them and thus require support.
“Equally important are the widows and orphans of the fallen heroes. I therefore enjoin all and sundry to do their bit in appreciating and encouraging these patriots”.
“I want to use this opportunity to commend the determination, more than ever, of our Armed Forces to bring an end to all our security challenges. Given the support of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR which has remained total, the war against terror and banditry would be totally won soon. I therefore implore members of the Press to co-operate with the government by being objective and patriotic in their reportage”.