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Tag: Armed Forces Remembrance Day

  • Make Armed Forces Remembrance Day public holiday

    Make Armed Forces Remembrance Day public holiday

    • By Fisayo Ajala PhD

    Sir: January 15 is celebrated annually as Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance and Celebration Day (AFRD). This day honours the supreme price paid by fallen heroes of the Nigerian military. It recognizes the sacrifices of serving soldiers and veterans who have fought under challenging climatic, psychological, social, and physical conditions to protect and defend the territorial integrity of the Nigerian state. The date also marks the end of hostilities between the Nigerian state and the secessionist Republic of Biafra, following the latter’s surrender on January 15, 1970.

    While the AFRD has gained symbolic recognition among members of the Nigerian military community and the public, the activities associated with it remain mostly military in nature: ceremonial parades, official wreath-laying ceremonies, and events held in military barracks. For the average Nigerian citizen, it is just another national day lacking deep reflection, appreciation, or symbolic significance.

    Designating the AFRD as a national public holiday could enhance national unity during this time of growing social mistrust, insecurity, and division. It also has the potential to boost civilian-military relations. This is especially important given the strained relationship between the Nigerian military and its citizens, evidenced by human rights abuses committed by the military, many of which have occurred not only during the current democratic era but also date back to the decades of military rule in the country.

    Although AFRD is often viewed primarily as a military event, the effects of Nigeria’s various low-intensity armed conflicts have also impacted civilian communities, whose safety depends on military efforts. This supports transforming AFRD into a shared national celebration that extends beyond the military and includes civilians, whom the military is meant to protect. Therefore, a public holiday like AFRD, similar to the October 1 Independence Day celebrations, can foster a sense of national ownership, belonging, and unity. It can also encourage private and civil society groups to organize commemorative events through partnerships with established military charities such as the Nigerian Legion, the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association (RANAO), the Defence and Police Officers Associations (DEPOWA), various Officers Wives Associations (OWA), the Military Wives Association (MIWA), and other social groups dedicated to protecting their interests.

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    Declaring the day a national holiday would promote public reflection and support for the sacrifices of Nigerian military families, including wives and children of serving officers and personnel, wives and caregivers of wounded soldiers and disabled veterans, widows of fallen heroes, veterans suffering from combat-related injuries, and other post-combat conditions. It would also inspire calls for greater accountability and transparency regarding the human costs of military operations and their effects on families and communities.

    A public holiday would also create an opportunity to draw more national attention to the needs of active soldiers and veterans, encourage policy discussions on veteran welfare and rehabilitation, and serve as a platform for fundraising and veteran-support initiatives, similar to practices in advanced militaries.

    Like other militaries with remembrance days, such as the United States (Veterans Day on November 11 and Memorial Day on the last Monday in May), the United Kingdom (Remembrance Sunday, observed annually on the second Sunday in November), and Ghana (Veterans Day on November 11), which all establish dedicated national holidays or nationwide observances to honour their fallen soldiers and veterans, Nigeria—with its history of civil war, a notable peacekeeping record, and ongoing internal security challenges—has even greater reason to do likewise.

    A national AFRD holiday would place Nigeria within this global tradition of respect and remembrance for its military.

    The AFRD deserves broader public and national celebration, beyond digital spaces and social media hashtags and posts, to extend further into civilian spaces and life across elementary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, government, religious and financial establishments, recreational and hospitality centres, and ultimately to the hearts of individual citizens instilling a shared sense of responsibility to honour and publicly commemorate the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The government should declare this day a national public holiday. This would serve to publicly celebrate the occasion, promote national appreciation for active soldiers and veterans, and honour the ultimate sacrifices made by fallen heroes defending the nation’s integrity and sovereignty.

    •Fisayo Ajala PhD,

    University of Bath, England.

  • Still on Armed Forces Remembrance Day

    Still on Armed Forces Remembrance Day

    Last week’s Remembrance Day activities, particularly the interviews some television stations had with retired military personnel and widows of fallen heroes, should be an opportunity to reflect on the enormous sacrifices men in arms have made to the stability and defence of the country’s territorial integrity. It should also be an opportunity to examine whether the nation has done or is doing enough to appreciate serving, retired or fallen military personnel. The many insurgencies in some parts of the country make this examination more urgent. Daily, soldiers are either killed, maimed or psychologically impaired for life, implying lives truncated, families and family ties disrupted, and ambitions delayed or destroyed. Despite the sometimes difficult relationship between military and civilians, and the appalling records of particularly murderous military regimes, it is time to focus attention in the right direction of making military service worthwhile for soldiers.

    Read Also: Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Tinubu urges Nigerians to shun violence, promote unity

    Far beyond building barracks or adequately funding educational and health institutions run by the military, it may also be time, especially at a time of grinding economic upheavals, to establish and fund highly discounted markets and supermarkets for military personnel, where they could buy necessities for approximately half the price. Then the government must find the right formula that continues to cater for retired personnel as well as shield, within acceptable and reasonable limits, families of fallen heroes from economic vicissitudes. The government can of course not underwrite these changes alone, but they have a duty to lead the effort and campaign. Sometimes, little things matter. Soldiers at the war front need to know that sacrificing their lives, or ambitions in case of lifelong injuries, for a noble cause would not be in vain, and that their loved ones would not end up holding the short end of the stick. 

  • For our tomorrow…

    For our tomorrow…

    Yesterday, activities marking the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day were rounded off nationwide. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the Abuja event, while the governors took charge in theira respective states. The yearly event is in memory of soldiers who defended the territorial integrity of our country against external aggressions and also fought in other wars at home and abroad. If not for their sacrifices, we may not be here today.

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    Yesterday, they fought to keep our country one. They left father, mother, wife and children to go to war. There can be no sacrifice too great today to make to honour and keep their spirits alive. We remain eternally grateful to them. As we remember them yearly, the greatest honour we can give them is to ensure that their families do not lack. It is disheartening to see those still living among them, sleeping on the road or going about with bowls in hands begging for alms. No soldier after serving his country nor his offspring should ever beg for bread.

    They were not soldiers of fortune, but men and women who laid down their lives for our tomorrow to be bright. May their sacrifices not be in vain.

  • 2024 AFRD: Food vendor embarks on Lagos to Abuja 800km trek to honor fallen soldiers

    2024 AFRD: Food vendor embarks on Lagos to Abuja 800km trek to honor fallen soldiers

    A 38-year-old food vendor from Benue, Ejeh Dangogo, on Monday said that he would embark on an 800km trek from Lagos to Abuja in honour of Nigeria’s fallen heroes.

    Dangogo said this during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations which held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, Lagos.

    According to Dangogo, the trek, which is to commence today, is to draw the National Assembly’s attention to the plight of the Nigerian Armed Forces to see how they could improve the welfare of the armed forces.

    “I have been preparing for this journey for the past five years and I am physically, mentally and psychologically fit to do so.

    “The rate at which soldiers are dying of terminal diseases as a result of lack of proper welfare is worrisome,” he said.

    Dangogo said that he was moved to embark on this journey because he grew up in the barracks and saw how some soldiers suffer from illness and die from terminal illnesses.

    “I am passionate about humanity and also passionate about the Nigerian Armed Forces because my dad was a military man. I have spent most of my life in the barracks.

    Read Also: Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Peter Obi commends military for courageous sacrifices

    “I am going to do this to draw Nigerians’ consciousness to the selfless sacrifice of our armed forces because it seems like their sacrifice have been going unacknowledged,” the food vendor said.

    He thanked Mr George Adegeye representing Amuwo Odofin Constituency for his support and agreement to receive him in Abuja with the Chief of Defence Staff.

    “I have a tracking system where I can be tracked in real time and I can also be tracked through social media handles where I will be uploading events frequently.

    “The journey will take me 5 weeks of 24km daily,” the food vendor said.

    Dangogo also thanked those who give soldiers’ car lift when they see them by the road side, saying that it was also a way of honouring the armed forces.

  • Armed Forces Remembrance Day: El-Rufai applauds Nigerian Army

    Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, on Tuesday in Kaduna described the Armed Forces Remembrance Day as significant in reflecting on the sacrifices made by the military to unite and ensure peace in the country.

    El-Rufai who made the remarks after the wreath laying ceremony as part of activities to mark the Day, commended the immense contributions of the military to national security.

    He said the sacrifices by the military and other security agencies must be appreciated by all Nigerians, especially the gallant efforts they are making to tackle insurgency and other security challenges in the country.

    Read Also: El-Rufai decries ethnic, religious politics

    ”The armed forces are sacrificing their live day and night to ensure security of lives and properties of all citizens and we must appreciate and encourage them,” he said.

    The governor expressed satisfaction with efforts being made by the Federal Government to address the welfare of legionnaires.

    Also, state Chairman of Nigeria Legion, John Tabat called for more support to families of the fallen heroes across the country.

    NAN

  • Pray for soldiers in theatres of war — Ambode

    The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwummi Ambode, on Tuesday urged Nigerians to continue to pray for soldiers currently in theatres of war.

    Ambode, who made the call during the annual Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, also assured families of fallen heroes of the state’s continued support.

    The governor was represented by his deputy, Mrs Oluranti Adebule.

    “We still remember the sad memories of the civil war where lives were lost and properties were destroyed across the land.

    “I call on every Nigerian to rise and support our men and women engaged in theatres of war with prayers to achieve resounding victory over those who threaten peace and national sovereignty.

    “We also use the opportunity to reassure the families left behind that we remain committed to their welfare and well-being,’’ he said.

    Ambode used the medium to commend the officers and men of the armed forces currently engaged in different military exercises and congratulated the legionnaires for this year’s Remembrance Day.

    “I commend the officers and men of the armed forces who are engaged in one military exercise or the other combating insurgency and other threats to our territorial integrity.

    “We remain grateful to you for your bravery and patriotism to put your lives on the line for our country.

    Read Also: Photos, videos from Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Abuja

    “I congratulate our legionnaires and families of our late ex-servicemen on the success of this year’s Armed Forces remembrance activities which is being concluded today with the laying of wreaths.

    “May the souls of the departed continue to rest in peace. We will not forget, we shall not forget your contributions,’’ he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the governor’s representative laid the official wreath and released the pigeons which are usually the highlights of the ceremony.

    Service commanders of military and para-military formations in the state, among other notable Nigerians , also laid wreaths at the event.

  • Photos, videos from Armed Forces Remembrance Day

    https://twitter.com/i/status/1085143128808534025

     

  • Soldiers’ valour, sacrifice makes a nation – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai says the valour and sacrifice of soldiers makes a nation.

    In a message on Wednesday to honour the fallen heroes on the occasion of the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Buratai said only heroes become soldiers.

    “Every man is born a hero. It takes a hero to be a soldier.

    “The Soldier Heroes live forever. Their memories never die. Their valour and sacrifice make a nation.

    “I commemorate the amazing selflessness of our fallen heroes who have paid the supreme price to ensure that our country remains indivisible,” he said.

    Read Also: Buratai lauds troops for retaking Baga

    Buratai saluted the courage and appreciated both retired and serving members of the Nigerian army for their commitment and loyalty.

    “To the families of our departed colleagues, our love, thoughts and prayers are always with you.

    “To the good people of Nigeria, I say thank you for your support and goodwill. May God bless our Armed Forces and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

  • Armed Forces Remembrance Day: IBB tasks Military to evolve New Combat Strategy

    Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida has tasked the Nigerian Army to evolve new combat strategies that will permanently defeat the terrorists that have continued to hold many parts of the North East to ransom.

    In a press statement to mark the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Babangida said it is high time the military seek to consolidate their gains and fortify their combat strength.

    He noted that the military is presently faced with horrific challenges in the crucial counter-insurgency war, and activities of other blood-thirsty armed groups declaring that these circumstances are not only heartrending

    “As we prepare to celebrate this year’s Remembrance Day, we should not be oblivious of the fact that our military is presently faced with horrific challenges in the crucial counter-insurgency war, and activities of other blood-thirsty armed groups.

    “To say the least, these ugly circumstances are not only heartrending, but unacceptable. It is high time we seek to consolidate our gains and also fortify our combat strength but unacceptable

    “Indeed, it is pertinent for the top echelons of our military to speedily evolve new combat strategy to bravely confront the callous terrorists who have continued to hold many parts of the North East, and in extension, Nigeria in ransom.”

    The former military leader noted that the Nigerian Army is undeniably a professional military establishment that has over the years achieved remarkable successes in protecting our nation’s territorial integrity urging the Army to remain apolitical as the 2019 elections draws closer.

    “The 2019 edition of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day is coming at a critical period, when teeming Nigerian electorates will go to the polls next month to elect their new leaders at various levels of government.

    In recent times, elections have tested our unity as a people, while also posing threats to our socio-cultural diversity and challenging our common destiny.

    “Nevertheless, I have a strong conviction that our Armed Forces will remain apolitical prior, during, and after the general elections, while focusing only on discharging their constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the country either from the aggression of internal rebels in the guise of Boko Haram insurgents, or from external retrogressive forces.”

    Babangida then saluted the uncommon bravery of fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in their quest to defend the Nation commending the Armed Forces for their resilience over the years in maintaining peace in Nigeria, United Nations Missions, African Union and regional interventions.

    He also called on Nigerians to support the military at all times.

  • Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Akeredolu urges support for dependants of fallen heroes

    In commemoration of the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration,Governor  Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State yesterday announced a grant of N100,000.00 to each of the widows of soldiers from the Owena Cantonment in Akure who lost their lives in the war against  Boko Haram .

    Governor Akeredolu said there was nothing too good or too much that could be done to replace the precious lives lost or remedy the deprivations and untold hardship suffered by the dependants of the fallen heroes.

    The governor spoke during the launch of the Emblem Appeal for the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Ondo State, held in  Akure.

    He enjoined the society to always give financial and material support to the dependants of the fallen heroes, so that those still alive and serving would be encouraged to give their best in the service of their fatherland.

    Governor Akeredolu promised that his administration would  continue to work with government, non-governmental organisations, officers and men of the armed forces and the Nigerian Legion to ensure an improved welfare for legionnaires, widows and dependants of departed ones in the State.

    The Governor said “ Government at all levels has been laying emphasis on the celebration to continually recognise the selfless and sacrificial services of our fallen heroes who had laid down their lives in wars and peace keeping efforts around the world, and those currently serving, day and night to guarantee the peace and unity of the nation.

    “Special recognition and appreciation must be accorded our gallant soldiers who had been involved in the war against Boko-Haram and had paid the supreme price in the process.  The current daring posture of the enemy which has cost us the lives of many of our gallant soldiers, to say the least, is condemnable.

    “Without the sacrifice and commitment of these officers and men of the Armed Forces, it is a matter of time before the whole country is overrun.  God forbid. This apart, it is the sustained effort of these officers and men that has kept at bay the herdsmen and farmers’ crises, kidnapping, armed robbery and unpatriotic agitations confronting the country.

    The Chairman of the state branch of the Nigerian Legion, Col. Olu Apara  (retd) said the launch was aimed at raising funds for widows and dependants of fallen heroes and war veterans.