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Tag: Armed Forces Remembrance

  • Armed Forces Remembrance: Ebonyi Legion appeals for government support

    Armed Forces Remembrance: Ebonyi Legion appeals for government support

    The chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Ebonyi State Council, Veteran Ijeagwu Okechukwu, has paid glowing tribute to Nigeria’s fallen heroes while commending the federal and Ebonyi State governments for their efforts in sustaining peace and security across the country.

    He made this known during his address at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day held in Ebonyi State on Wednesday, January 15, 2026.

    Speaking before the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and other distinguished guests, Okechukwu described the occasion as a solemn reminder of the supreme sacrifice made by members of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the defence of the nation’s unity and territorial integrity.

    According to him, Nigerian troops have not only defended the country but have also made significant contributions to global peace through their participation in various United Nations peacekeeping missions.

    He urged Nigerians to remain grateful to God for the lives of surviving veterans who fought gallantly for peace at home and abroad.

    The Legion chairman expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for the relative peace currently enjoyed in the country, attributing it to the concerted efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies.

    He also lauded Governor Nwifuru for his decisive interventions in curbing communal violence in parts of Ebonyi State, noting that the governor’s investments in peacebuilding and security have ensured the protection of lives and property.

    “We are all here today because His Excellency invested time and resources to bring peace to Ebonyi State,” Okechukwu said.

    Briefly highlighting the history of the Nigerian Legion, he recalled that the body was established in 1962 and formally backed by an Act of Parliament in 1964, with subsequent amendments strengthening its legal framework.

    He noted that the Legion is affiliated with international veterans’ organisations, including the British Commonwealth League of Veterans.

    Okechukwu further disclosed that the Nigerian Legion operates an affiliate security outfit known as the Corps of Commissionaire, sanctioned by the Ministry of Defence.

    He explained that the corps, made up of able-bodied men, supports security operations and traffic control, and is directly supervised by the Ministry of Defence.

    He added that he currently serves as the Commandant of the corps in Ebonyi State.

    The Legion chairman appealed to Governor Nwifuru to consider appointing qualified Legion members to government positions, recalling past appointments of members such as Squadron Leader Okoro and Barrister Clement as Special Technical Advisers, which he said boosted morale among veterans.

    Okechukwu appealed to the governor, as Patron of the Nigerian Legion in the state, to assist in upgrading the Legion’s welfare and operational capacity.

    “My hope and faith are in the love, kindness, and generosity of His Excellency to all, especially the Legion,” he said, while praying for continued peace and divine blessings upon the state and the nation.

    The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is observed annually to honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes and appreciate the sacrifices of serving and retired military personnel.

  • Armed Forces Remembrance: Shettima, Akpabio, others honour fallen heroes

    Armed Forces Remembrance: Shettima, Akpabio, others honour fallen heroes

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday led the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, members of the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly, service chiefs and diplomatic corps to honour the nation’s fallen and living heroes.

    The event, which involved the laying of wreaths at the National Arcade in Abuja, was the climax of activities for the 2025 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD).

    First to lay the wreath was the Vice President, followed by the Senate President, Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas represented by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kerere-Ekun.

    The wreath was also laid by Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, his Federal Capital Territory counterpart, Nyesome Wike, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

    They were followed by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa; Chiefs of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

    Other dignitaries, who also performed the wreath-laying ceremony, are members of the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian Legion and widows of late officers and soldiers represented by the President, the Military Widows Association (MIWA), Veronica Aluko.

    There was also the firing of three volleys in honour of the fallen heroes which has its origin in the old custom of halting fighting in the warfront to remove the dead from the battlefield.

    The Vice President, thereafter, signed the anniversary register and released the ceremonial pigeons as a symbol of national peace and freedom.

    The celebration started with a series of activities including the Jumma’at prayer on Jan. 10 at the National Mosque and the Interdenominational Christian service on Jan. 12.

    This year’s celebration also featured other activities, such as social and award evening for soldiers, ratings and airmen and Regimental Dinner and Award night for officers organised by the Defence Headquarters, among other activities.

    The defence Headquarters also held a lecture and art exhibition as well as display of some locally produced military wares on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The event, formerly known as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, but now changed to Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day to create an avenue to also celebrate and honour the serving personnel of the armed forces.

    Read Also: It’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day

    It is celebrated globally to recognise and appreciate the sacrifices made by citizens for the cause of peace.

    In Nigeria, Jan. 15 is set aside annually to honour the fallen heroes, who laid down their lives in service to humanity during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peace missions and various internal security operations.

    The event is also used to honour veterans still alive and as a medium for soliciting financial, moral and material support for the families of the fallen heroes.

    (NAN)