President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo laid wreaths at the National Arcade in Eagle Square, Abuja, on Sunday to commemorate the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
The ceremony was the last of President Buhari’s major military assignments as Commander-in-Chief before he steps down on May 29 and the government transitions to another administration at the end of two terms.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included the Chief of Defense Staff, General Lucky Irabor, Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola.
Late Saturday, General Irabor gave awards to the Nigerian Navy, which defeated the Army in the finals of the inaugural Paintballing competition organized by Forest Hunters in collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces. The Cardboard, Three Bridges Park, Idu Industrial Layout, Abuja, hosted the event.
As part of the ceremonies leading up to the 2023-Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Airforce, and Defence Headquarters took part in the festival to commemorate the fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of humanity during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, internal security operations, and Peace Support Operations around the world.
The Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, and a representative from the Widows Association of Fallen Heroes are among those in attendance.
Mr Bayo Omoboriowo, Chief Executive Officer and Coordinator of the event, stated that Forest Hunters facilitated the event in recognition of the men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s dedication and sacrifices in preserving the country’s security and promoting national integration and diversity.
“The Festival is to honor Nigeria’s living and fallen heroes by using paintball as a sport to promote team building, strategic thinking, and physical and mental fitness,” Mr Omoboriowo explained.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is used to honor living veterans while also soliciting financial, moral, and material support for the families of fallen heroes. Many people have had to pay a high price for the country’s peace and security.
According to military officials, “many have died, others have gone missing in action, and still others have suffered varying degrees of incapacity and psychological stress.”
Other Commonwealth nations commemorate the event on November 11, 1918, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
However, in Nigeria, it is observed annually on January 15th to commemorate the end of the Nigerian Civil War, which was fought to keep Nigeria united.
Responding to reporters’ questions, the Chief of Defense Staff stated that the Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebrations are not a day of mourning.
“It is the day that we need to give thanks to God; that men and women of this great nation once served, are serving and will continue to serve this country. And that we have the kind of love for our country that men and women have committed to and, if necessary, sacrificed their lives for the sake of the rest of us. I believe it is worthwhile.
“So, today is a very special day because the nation has set it aside to value, to place a premium on, and to honor the services of men and women of our great country.” On what Nigerians expect from the members of the Armed Forces as the country heads for another election, Gen Irabor reiterated that “democracy has come to stay.
Nigeria now has a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. “That is an assurance, and then there are the elections….. I believe Nigerians can be assured that the armed forces will remain solidly behind the police in order to provide them with all necessary support.”
