PBA ReporterEvery year Nigeria celebrates Armed Forces Rememberance Day on January 15 to honour the nation’s servicemen and fallen heroes.
It is also a day set aside to reflect on the sacrifices and contributions of the Armed Forces to the nation’s unity and political stability.
Historically, the celebration was also set to commemorate the end of Nigeria-Biafra Civil war which ended on January 15, 1970, marking the restoration of the nation’s unity.
President Muhammadu Buhari led the Wreath Laying Ceremony of the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the National Arcade, Eagle Square Abuja today, 15th Jan 2023.
Here are photos of the event.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Obaseki underscores citizens’ role in fostering national security
Meanwhile, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged Nigerians to actively commit to the promotion of peace and unity in the country in respect of the sacrifices of the nation’s fallen heroes.
The governor disclosed this at an event to commemorate the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Benin City.
He said: “Today we are remembering those who have put their lives on the line to make sure that there is peace and this country remains united. It is important that we use today for reflection because it is about sacrifice. People have sacrificed and it is important that we reflect on what they have done by also putting ourselves up for sacrifice.
“The economic situation in the country is very difficult and is putting pressure on individuals and citizens and some of them are resorting to heinous crimes. We have to deal with that reality. It cannot only be about the benefits and what we get from Nigeria. We should begin to think more of what we offer to the country because, except the thinking evolves in that direction, we will continue to have the level of strife, crisis and insecurity which we have today.”
Obaseki added, “Everybody wants to take from Nigeria but very few want to give back to Nigeria.”
He hailed residents and security agencies for the level of security enjoyed in the state, noting that his administration will continue to commit more resources to the protection of lives and property.
According to him, “We are thankful to our citizens. People now feel concerned and participate in the security structure we have in the state today. The security structure rests on the citizens because if we don’t get information from the farmers in the farm who tell us about movements and what is going on, people on the streets that trust us and give us information, we would not know what is going on and be able to combat crime.
“The security services because it is about collaboration; they are all putting in what they have into the common fight in securing Edo State and the recent release of Igueben kidnap victims is a perfect example of collaboration.
“For us in Edo that is the message we are preaching. It shouldn’t be about you, but about us. What do we need to do as a society, state and country to foster peace and harmony? For us in Edo, we will continue to invest in our security.”
Anambra: Soludo Pays Glowing Tributes To The Fallen Heroes
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, paid glowing tributes to the sacrifices of the fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Governor Soludo gave the commendation during the Wreath Laying Ceremony to commemorate the 2023 Armed Forces Day at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.
The Governor described the day as an opportunity for sober reflection.
He said: “Today calls for sober reflection as we remember and celebrate our fallen heroes in the Army, the Navy, Air Force, the police and secret service who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of our collective liberties and rights as well as those of the communities around the world through the various peace keeping missions that the Nigerian Armed forces have embarked upon, over the years.”
“May their great souls continue to rest in peace”, Governor Soludo prayed.
“We also continue to stand in solidarity with the spouses and family members of the fallen heroes. As a people, the nation will never forget.
“We can never as a people take for granted, the great sacrifices of our fallen heroes. In dying for us to live, the heroes are etched forever on the pages of our history.
“The 2023 Armed forces remembrance Day celebration, kicked off in earnest on Friday, December 9, 2022 with the launching of the Armed forces remembrance Day emblem.
“Following the launch of the emblem, there was the church service last Sunday, January 8 2023 at St Faith Cathedral, Awka and Jumat prayers on January 13 at Central Mosque, Awka.
The Governor continued, “today’s wreath laying and parade ceremony should serve as the climax of the patriotic commemoration of the heroism of our beautiful forces who stood up to be counted towards the successful completion of the Nigerian Civil war and all the other engagements that the armed forces have embarked upon in defence of our country and our liberties.
“When our Country was a British colony, the remembrance Day was on November 11 as Puppy day in honour of the end of the first World War, but the end of the Nigeria Biafra war has accounted for the change of date to 15th of January and I hope we all remember this.
“Our esteemed Armed Forces deserves continued commendation for their dogged fight against terrorism, insurgency and armed banditry all over the country.
“It is so reassuring and praise worthy that our men and women of the forces are not resting on their oars but instead extending their worthy legacies of the veterans”, Governor Soludo stressed.
“The veterans we celebrate today have left a solid legacy for the Nigerian Armed forces of the present. They continue to guarantee internal peace such as, especially, we remember the sacrifices of this armed forces in our dear state, Anambra, helping to liberate, as we know, the eight local governments that were completely taken captive before our government was sworn in and helping to maintain security around the entire state.
“At this moment let me on behalf of the good people of Anambra State pay special tribute to all those who lost their lives in the determined fight to eliminate criminality in our dear state. May their souls rest in peace”, the Governor prayed again.
The governor commended the gallant efforts of the security agencies operating in the state, declaring that their “immense sacrifice and devotion will forever be treasured by the great people of Anambra state.”
He warned criminals terrorising the state to hands off as they will never be allowed to over power the state.
“Our people are determined and will surely have their deserved security, peace and progress. On this account, we shall continue to celebrate our heroic men and women of the armed forces and all the security agencies operating in the state. We will never forget our esteemed ex servicemen.
“You may be retired, but never tired because you continue to lend your experience and service towards maintaining internal security all over Nigeria.
“In keeping with the words of our National Anthem, may the efforts of our heroes past not be in vain”, the Governor added.
He ended by wishing all a very memorable Armed forces remembrance Day celebration and asked that prayers be continually offered for the souls of the fallen heroes of the past.
The event attended by members of Anambra State Executive Council, Security Chiefs in the state, ex servicemen, among others, featured parade, gun salute, wreath laying and release of pigeons.
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