Honoring Fallen Heroes: Tinubu Leads Leaders on Armed Forces Day

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Juliet Akoje, Segun James, Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia, John Shiklam in Kaduna, Hammed Shittu in Ilorin, Francis Sardauna in Katsina, Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano, Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo, Laleye Dipo in Minna, Gideon Arinze in Enugu, James Sowole in Abeokuta, and Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia



At the National Arcade in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu led other Nigerian leaders, members of the National Assembly, the judiciary, the military, and other important stakeholders in laying wreaths at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier yesterday in remembrance of the country's living and lost heroes.

Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President; Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives; Abubakar Badaru, the Minister of Defense; and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN),  Justice Olukayode Ariwoola were among those present at the ceremony.

General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defense Staff, led all of the Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police, among others, in honoring the nation's fallen heroes during the wreath-laying event.


The Tinubu administration was asked by the Nigerian Legion to continue focusing on veterans' care, particularly with regard to pay increases for active military personnel.

In a same vein, former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party's (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, and governors, among others, criticized the military and appealed on their behalf on Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

After Tinubu unveiled the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem in October 2023, the wreath-laying ceremony served as the culmination of events commemorating Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Clergymen from the services gave Christian and Muslim prayers for the living and peaceful resting of the souls of the fallen warriors who bravely battled for world peace. The observation of a minute silence came next.


At the feet of the Unknown Soldier, Tinubu presided over the wreath-laying ceremony with the Commander of the Guards Brigade.

The Senate President, the House of Representatives Speaker, the Nigerian Chief Justice, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, the Minister of State for Defense, and Doyen of the Nigerian Diplomatic Corps came next.
The Ministry of Defense organizes the Armed Forces Remembrance Day every year to honor the nation's fallen heroes who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, international peace support missions, and various internal security operations for the benefit of humanity.

The Nigerian military is still among the best in the world, according to Abbas, who praised them for their bravery and loyalty.

Nigeria would not progress if it were not safe and secure for businesses and other economic activities to flourish, according to a statement made by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Musa Abdullahi Krishi. He claimed that this demonstrated how important the military is to the country's overall well-being.


Although there were still security challenges in some areas of the nation, Abbas pointed out that the military has often stepped up to the plate.

However, he called on the military, security, and intelligence services to do more to protect people and property, which he stated is the government's main duty.

At the conclusion of the ceremonies, Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (rtd), the chairman of the Nigerian Legion, responded to questioning from reporters by saying, "I want the government to continue to enhance the well-being of those who have served and left."
"Those who are serving as well as the families of the fallen heroes." The care of veterans should always be a priority for the government, particularly when it comes to raising the pay of active military personnel.

Jibrin also urged the government to honor those who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars as well as in other international conflicts, such as those conducted by the UN and Africa Union, as well as in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Saraki: Leaders Should Be Reminded of Their Commitment to New Nigeria by This Event

Dr. Bukola Saraki, the former Senate President, urged Nigerian politicians to view the yearly Armed Forces Remembrance Day as a testament to a new Nigeria.
According to Saraki, Remembrance Day should serve as a reminder to military personnel that their efforts to maintain national unity were not in vain, rather than just being a ceremonial event.

"Today, we come together across the country not only to honor the fallen heroes of our Armed Forces, but to reaffirm our shared commitment to the values they fought for," he said.

Their legacy is their unwavering courage, their unselfish sacrifice, and their commitment to ensuring the safety of this country. However, this heritage calls for more than just remembering. It requires action. It requires us to create a better future, for which they ultimately paid a high price.

It calls for creating a country that is deserving of the blood and toil of our military personnel and their families. It calls for a country where justice is upheld, peace reigns, and the legacy of their growth is purposefully continued.

Obi: To defeat all acts of terrorism, the military must be resolute.

In his message, Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party's (LP) presidential candidate in the most recent general election, exhorted the military to continue to be steadfast in their determination to defeat the insecurity monster that is currently wreaking havoc on the nation.

Obi prayed that the sacrifices made by the fallen military heroes would not go unappreciated.
He said, "I join other Nigerians in honoring our military heroes who are prepared to make immeasurable sacrifices to maintain peace and security within our borders on this Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

We urge them now to not waver in their determination to defeat the unsightly monster of insecurity that is currently wreaking havoc on our beloved country. We pay particular attention to our fallen heroes who have given their lives to protect the peace.

"May this day rekindle their passion, love, and bravery to keep fighting for a Nigeria free from crime and with peace." As they proudly serve our country, may we, as its leaders, make sure that the welfare of our military personnel and their families is met.

Sanwo-Olu: We Need to Keep supporting our fallen Heroes

Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to continue to receive support and the families of fallen heroes to be remembered for their sacrifice for the nation's peace and security.

At the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Interdenominational Divine Service, which was held on Sunday at the Chapel of Christ The Light, The Secretariat, Alausa, with the subject "Honouring Sacrifice (John 15:14)," Sanwo-Olu made the appeal.

Members of the State Executive Council, permanent secretaries, chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), commanding officers in Lagos State, members of the Nigerian Legion, members of the military, religious leaders, the families of the fallen heroes, and Christians were among those who attended the service.

Speaking on behalf of his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Gboyega Soyannwo, Sanwo-Olu said the event offered a chance to honor the fallen warriors who gave their lives in defense of Nigeria's territorial integrity.

"We are gathered here in God's presence and in gratitude to Him as we remember our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice while maintaining the unity and territorial integrity of our nation," the governor said.


"Today, Lagos State's good citizens and administration come together to honor the sacrifice made by the deceased and to offer prayers for their eternal rest; to honor their departed loved ones and those who have been rendered incapable (in one way or another) due to wounds received on the battlefield.


Obaseki: It is necessary to address Nigeria's fundamental flaws


In order to avoid forcing Nigeria into a reset, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the governor of Edo State, urged for immediate action to fix the country's basic flaws.

Obaseki also celebrated the bravery and sacrifice of Nigeria's fallen heroes, praising their contributions to national unity and peace.

"We are grateful for another year and the chance to honor those who have given their lives to ensure Nigeria's peace and unity," he said.

"It's crucial to remember the individuals we are honoring today because they have given their life in sacrifice. This event is significant because of this, and we should be solemn about it.

For the benefit of Lagbaja, Adeleke Drums Provide Military Support

Senator Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Osun State, urged all Nigerians, public and private, to stand with the Nigerian military in its efforts to protect the nation and maintain peace and tranquility throughout its many regions. This was spoken by Adeleke at Osogbo.
Because Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, was a distinguished son of Osun State, the governor claimed that this year's Armed Forces Remembrance Day commemoration was exclusive to Osun State.

According to Adeleke, "One of our distinguished sons is the Chief of Army Staff of this great nation, which makes the 2024 event unique for Osun State." Osun is proud of my brother, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, for his unwavering and impeccable command of the Nigerian Army. He has our admiration.

Our sons have held prominent positions in the country's military at different commanding levels both in the past and the present. We must so keep in mind Osun State's unique role in national defense as the wreath-laying ceremony is done across today.

Therefore, in addition to honoring national heroes, we are also remembering many of our own sons and daughters who have given their lives and are still fighting for their country. We are paying tribute to both the deceased and the living.

Families of former service members will be enrolled in Niger's social investment program.

In order to help them find productive employment, the Niger State administration pledged to involve the families of former service members in its social investment initiatives.
The families of the ex-servicemen would be placed in various age-based categories of the state's social investment programs, according to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who was represented by his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba.

Bago emphasized that the state had an obligation to provide for the families of fallen heroes—the former service members—who gave their all for their country.

In addition to stating that their services would always be required to address the state's security issues, he pledged that the state government would not permit the relationships of the ex-servicemen to live in poverty.

Mr. Mamuda Baba Ahmed, the state's Nigerian Legion chairman, praised the state government's efforts and dedication to resolving their plights

Mbah Promises to Continue Aiding the Armed Forces


Peter Mbah, the governor of Enugu State, declared that his government would keep helping the Nigerian Armed Forces protect the lives and property of people living in the state and the nation as a whole.


As part of events commemorating the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Mbah provided the assurance during the wreath-laying and parade at the Okpara House in Enugu. Additionally, he promised that the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives defending Nigerians would not go unappreciated.
 

The governor asked Nigerians to refrain from hate speech, acts of violence, and insecurity, emphasizing that only then would the nation honor the memories of those who gave their lives in defense of Nigeria and genuinely return the servicemen's valor.

"Every year on Remembrance Day, we honor the memory of the courageous men and women in the armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice to guarantee that we and innumerable others around the world can live in freedom," he said.
 

These courageous men and women, whom we honor today, sacrificed their lives in a variety of operations, from the Nigerian Civil War and the country's many internal security operations to peacekeeping missions in Chad, Somalia, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and many other locations.

In addition to abstaining from all forms of hate speech and acts of violence and insecurity, we must never waver in our commitment to upholding peace and security across our wonderful country. We must also continue to assist our comrades in the security services.

Makinde Assigns Residents to Collaborate with Law Enforcement
 

Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, urged the people of the state to constantly assist the security forces and report any suspicious activity. This was said by the governor during the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day big finale, which took place at Government House's Remembrance Arcade in Agodi, Ibadan.

Speaking to reporters at the conclusion of the ceremony, Makinde thanked the military's officers and soldiers for their commitment to maintaining the nation's security.

He pledged that the widows, orphans, and other dependents of the slain heroes will continue to receive assistance from his administration.
In addition to doing the customary wreath-laying, the governor gave the state's citizens assurances about the highest level of safety for their lives and property.

Abiodun: Nigeria Will Ascend Once More

Nigeria is about to rise again, according to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who urged Nigerians to have faith in the existing political system, the government, and its leaders.

Additionally, Abiodun urged the populace to abstain from any violent or non-native acts. Additionally, he urged Nigerians to refrain from spreading dissension among themselves and to continue being their brother's keepers.
In addition to assisting the families of slain heroes, Abiodun urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of nation-building and nationalism.

"Let us preserve the spirit of optimism as well as nationalism," he urged. Let's trust our government, our leaders, and our system. Nigeria is about to rise once more.

"Those of us who lack the privilege or courage to enlist in the military ought to support nation-building and patriotism."

Otti Alerts Politicians to Declining Military Personnel Sacrifices
Because "no institution can lay any genuine claim to perfection," Abia State Governor Alex Otti advised political leaders to refrain from disparaging the Nigerian military for its alleged flaws.

At the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Umuahia on Monday, Otti made the call. He said the military should be commended for being the nation's most patriotic institution.

"It is disheartening to see that, by our words and deeds, we frequently trivialize the blood, sweat, and tears that hundreds of thousands of our servicemen and women have given up," the governor said.

Although it was undeniable that Nigeria "is beset with so many difficult challenges, domestic insecurity, and a growing sense of uncertainty," Otti contended that without the military's noble efforts, the situation may have been worse.

"In order to limit the threats, maintain our national stability, and provide us with powerful lessons in courage and sacrifice, nothing must divert our attention from the daily sacrifices made by the officers and men in uniform," he continued.

Sani: Let's Consider the Commitment of the Armed Forces and Sacrifices

Senator Uba Sani, the governor of Kaduna State, asked Nigerians to consider the military's dedication and sacrifices in maintaining the nation's security, peace, and stability.
Speaking to reporters, Sani claimed that the event gave Nigerians a chance to remember those who sacrificed their lives to protect their nation.

"Today's event gives us the chance to honor our Veterans," he remarked. It also provides us with the chance to consider the devotion, courage, and sacrifices made by our fallen heroes who gave their lives to protect the integrity of our territory.

The governor gave the military and other security forces high marks for their efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activity around the nation.
He declared that the battle against terrorism and banditry was proceeding as planned and that governors will keep working with the military and other security forces to eradicate all types of criminal activity that plague the nation.

NGF Chair Applauds Armed Forces for National Service

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governor of Kwara State and the chairman of the Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF), praised the military's dead and active members for their outstanding contributions to the nation.

The first and most crucial thing, according to AbdulRazaq, is to show gratitude to our military for the sacrifices they have made—and continue to make—during the First and Second World Wars and internal security operations to this day.
"They hardly sleep at night in the barracks, bushes, and offices," the governor said, praising the security forces for their outstanding work in special operations in various areas of the state. We must value them.

"Their families, their amazing role, and their generous contributions to the efforts to rehabilitate some of them are equally appreciated."

“In Kwara (especially), we value the military,” AbdulRazaq said. They are carrying out a yeoman's duties. We appreciate their efforts to maintain safety and peace throughout Nigeria. In Nigeria, let us unite.

Radda: Our Military Officers Who Are Still Alive Experience Physical and Physiological Trauma
Military commanders who survived lethal operations were experiencing physical and physiological damage across the nation, according to Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda. This was revealed by Radda during Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

He claimed that officers' families who lost loved ones in combat carried the wounds of their loss for the rest of their lives. He went on to say that the slain Nigerian heroes who fought in the wars that tore the country apart did so because they fought for the sake of mankind and believed in the stability and unity of the nation.

The brave men and women entered the battlefield with the knowledge that they might suffer the ultimate cost, but they remained steadfast in their choices, Radda said.
"In the many theaters of operations currently underway in various regions of this country, our brave men and women are being shot, abducted, attacked, and killed.

"While the families of the deceased carry the scars of their loved ones' deaths for the rest of their lives, the survivors of these operations suffered from physical and physiological trauma."

Kano will create a Security Trust Fund, Yusuf

Plans to create a security trust fund are being developed, according to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, as a way to support the state's security organizations' work.
Yusuf stated that the trust fund would shortly be established during this year's Armed Forces Remembrance Day events in Kano.

“What I want to do is launch the Security Trust Fund,” he declared. We've made great progress on that. In order to at least take steps to lessen the state's insecurity condition, we will shortly extend invitations to distinguished Kano indigenous people as well as distinguished Nigerians who we believe can contribute.

Yusuf paid tribute to the families of the slain heroes and pledged to work with the Nigerian Army to find ways to help the bereaved personnel's families.

He said, “We commemorate the departure of our armed forces personnel annually. Those who have laid their lives during their services to the nation.”