Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Tinubu, Shettima, govs, others pay tributes to fallen heroes
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By Dayo Johnson
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, led Vice President Kashim Shettima, state governors, and other top government officials in paying glowing tributes to Nigeria’s fallen heroes, assuring that their sacrifices in defence of the nation’s unity and sovereignty would never be forgotten.
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The President, in a message to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance and Celebration Day (AFRCD), reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and dignity of serving personnel, vowing continued support for the Armed Forces as they confront security challenges across the country.
The AFRCD is an annual event organised by the Ministry of Defence to honour fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation. These include personnel who died during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peace support operations, and various internal security engagements, particularly the ongoing fight against terrorism that threatens Nigeria’s corporate existence.
Beyond remembrance, the event also celebrates living veterans and serves as a platform to solicit financial and moral support for their welfare, as well as for the families of fallen service members.
While the AFRCD is observed globally, Nigeria’s commemoration reflects its unique historical experience. As a member of the Commonwealth, Nigeria previously marked Remembrance Day on November 11, in line with other member states, to honour those who died in the World Wars.
President Tinubu in his message said: “On this Armed Forces Remembrance and Celebration Day, Nigeria pauses to honour its heroes. We remember the brave men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces who sacrificed everything for our country. Their names might not always be remembered, but their courage sustains our freedom and peace. A nation that forgets its fallen heroes loses its direction; Nigeria, however, remembers.
“On the families of the men and women that paid the supreme sacrifice in their efforts to ensure a united Nigeria, the President said: ‘I also speak today to the families of our fallen heroes—widows, children, and loved ones. Your loss is profound, and no words can replace the sacrifices of your loved ones. They served Nigeria with honour, and our people will never forget their sacrifices.
“Today, we celebrate our serving personnel. From the frontlines to support positions, on land, sea, and air, you carry the heavy responsibility of protecting our people and sovereignty with discipline, courage, and professionalism, often far from home.
“As President and Commander-in-Chief, I reaffirm my commitment to the welfare and dignity of our Armed Forces. A secure Nigeria stands behind those who defend it. We will continue to support them in action.
“May our fallen heroes rest in peace. May God strengthen our Armed Forces. May God bless Nigeria.’”
Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima led the proceedings marking the 2026 AFRCD at the Cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier in Eagle Square, Abuja. The Vice President represented President Tinubu, who is in the United Arab Emirates for Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), 2026.
Governors
In Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the state, represented by his Deputy Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, assured of his administration’s unwavering support in their efforts to safeguard and protect the sovereignty of the country. At the parade and laying of wreaths ceremony, held at the Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, Sanwo-Olu stressed that the government’s commitment to supporting the families of fallen heroes is never in doubt, adding that Nigerian governments and the people will always remember their sacrifices.
Similarly, his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture to ensure the safety of lives and property. The governor, who spoke at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, during the ceremony, said his government remained resolute in its determination to sustain peace and security across Oyo State, noting that security was fundamental to economic growth and social stability.
Also, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, as part of the ceremony, announced that the state government had approved and released N50 million for the disbursement of interest-free microcredit loans to 120 widows and dependents of fallen heroes in 2026. Aiyedatiwa, who spoke at the ceremony held at the Government Cenotaph, Alagbaka, Akure, explained that the zero-interest loan scheme, which has become a fixture of the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in the state, would be sustained irrespective of economic conditions, aimed at supporting beneficiaries’ businesses and enabling them to provide for their families.
In the same vein, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State led Service Commanders of the Armed Forces in the state, the Commissioner of Police, legionnaires, and top government functionaries in laying wreaths at the ceremonial tomb of an unknown soldier. The event, which took place at the Cenotaph, Asaba, was part of activities to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, and was also attended by the Governor’s Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor; Chief Judge of the state, Justice Tessy Diai; Service Commanders of the Armed Forces; and the State Commissioner of Police, among others.
In Rivers, Governor Siminalayi Fubara commended President Tinubu for strengthening Nigeria’s military through improved welfare packages, modern equipment, and renewed motivation. Governor Fubara stressed that honouring the nation’s fallen heroes must go beyond ceremonial observances, calling for sustained efforts to defeat insurgency, end internal armed conflicts, and prioritise the welfare and well-being of serving and retired military personnel and their families.
Also in Kebbi, Governor Nasir Idris of the state at the Haliru Abdu Stadium, said: “We have noted your contributions in maintaining peace and ensuring we all sleep with our eyes closed; therefore, we will not abandon you.” Idris noted that serving and retired military personnel are the cornerstone of national unity as they strive to keep external aggressors at bay and protect Nigeria’s unity.
Similarly, in Sokoto, Governor Ahmed Aliyu reaffirmed that the sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes would never be forgotten nor compromised, describing their service as the bedrock of the nation’s unity and continued existence. The governor said the annual remembrance was not only a solemn moment of reflection but also a renewed national commitment to support the Armed Forces in their ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, and other threats to national security.
In Jos, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by his Deputy Mrs. Josephine Piyo, led top government officials, military commanders, heads of security agencies, and veterans in laying wreaths in honour of those who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation. The event featured interdenominational prayers for fallen heroes, a minute of silence, and the symbolic release of pigeons to signify peace and freedom. A three-gun salute was also observed in honour of the Unknown Soldier.
ADC faults
Tinubu’s absence
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemned President Tinubu’s absence from the event amid deepening insecurity. The party said the President’s unavailability on a day dedicated to national reflection and solidarity with troops and military families was troubling, arguing that the presence of the Commander-in-Chief carries moral and symbolic weight for soldiers on the frontlines.
In a statement by ADC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi yesterday, the party said: “Today, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) joins Nigerians, especially our military families, in commemorating the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, a day set aside to honour the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of the men and women who have laid down their lives in defence of our nation.
“This is ordinarily a solemn national moment, one that demands presence, reflection, and leadership at the highest level. It is therefore deeply troubling that the President of the Federal Republic is absent and unavailable on a day meant to symbolise solidarity with our armed forces and the families who continue to bear the cost of Nigeria’s security failures.
“At a time when Nigerian soldiers are overstretched across multiple fronts, battling insurgency, banditry, and violent crime, leadership cannot be outsourced, postponed, or treated as ceremonial. The physical and moral presence of the Commander-in-Chief on this day is not optional; it is a statement of respect, responsibility, and shared sacrifice.
“The ADC honours the fallen, stands with serving personnel, and recognises the quiet resilience of military families who continue to pay the ultimate price for a nation that has yet to match their sacrifice with competent governance, clear strategy, and genuine political will.”
PDP faults FG on military welfare
Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) blasted the Federal Government over the welfare and funding of the Armed Forces, saying the sacrifice of fallen soldiers should translate into concrete action to better support those still in service.
In a statement by a factional PDP National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, the opposition party said: “As our country marks the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, we convey our deepest condolences to the families of members of the Armed Forces who died in active service while executing their mandate of protecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country.
“We use this opportunity to demand improved welfare packages for members of the Armed Forces and all members of the security and intelligence community, to help them better discharge their assigned roles.
“We also urge the Federal Government to adequately fund the security agencies to effectively neutralise the agents of insecurity and restore peace and security to our country.
“On a day like this, we acknowledge that they paid the supreme price for the continuous existence of our country.
“We advise all actors, whether state or non-state, not to engage in actions capable of destabilising the country.
“In honour of those who have died to keep our country safe, we pray that their deaths may not be in vain and their labours not be forgotten,” the PDP added.
Fallen heroes deserve better — Obi
On his part, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi said Nigeria can only truly honour its fallen soldiers by providing leadership that delivers peace, hope, and national progress, stressing that remembrance must translate into a commitment to build a country worthy of their sacrifice.
In a statement to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, he described the annual observance as a moment that should move the nation beyond rituals to reflection and responsibility.
“On this solemn day of Armed Forces Remembrance, we honour those who have laid down their lives in service to our nation. This special annual event serves as a reminder for us to recommit ourselves to being a nation worthy of their sacrifice.
“We are told that a soldier’s true grave is not in the earth, but in the hearts and minds of those they protected, those who slept peacefully while their heroes stood guard.”
“Perhaps the most fitting honour we can bestow upon these heroes is to live lives that promote peace and progress. We must provide leadership that gives hope to the hopeless.
“For the families of these fallen heroes, today is not just a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of an empty chair and a voice that is no longer heard.
“While we cannot fill that void, we want to assure you that their immense sacrifice was never in vain.”
Olasunkanmi Akoni, Haruna Aliyu, Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Marie-Therese Nanlong, Ochuko Akuopha, Luminous Jannamike, Davies Iheamnachor, Adeola Badru & Musa Ubandawaki also contributed to this report.
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