President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to honour the sacrifices of fallen military heroes, warning that a nation forgetting them “loses its direction.” Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu led the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, members of the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly, service chiefs, and diplomatic corps to commemorate the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD).
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In a statement personally signed, the President reflected on the bravery of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, saluting fallen and serving personnel. “Their names might not always be remembered, but their courage sustains our freedom and peace,” he said. He also extended solidarity to families of the fallen, acknowledging their profound grief. Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s support, pledging: “A secure Nigeria stands behind those who defend it.”
The event featured wreath-laying at the National Arcade in Abuja, attended by top government officials, service chiefs, military veterans, and the diplomatic corps. Vice President Shettima, Senate President Akpabio, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Minister of Defence Retired Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps all participated. Other dignitaries included service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigerian Legion, and representatives of military widows. Three volleys were fired in honour of the fallen, and ceremonial pigeons were released as symbols of peace and freedom.
States across the country also held celebrations. In Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo called for greater support for the Armed Forces, urging serving personnel to remain committed while praying for the families of the fallen. The Military Widows Association of Nigeria appealed for continued recognition and empowerment of widows to care for children left behind.
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River, represented by his deputy, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of veterans and widows, while Cross River Nigerian Legion Chairman, Daniel Ojugbo, highlighted ongoing challenges faced by military families, including delayed benefits, limited medical care, and unemployment among dependents.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, represented by his deputy, emphasized the need to care for the families of fallen heroes and acknowledged the contributions of veterans to national unity and security. Abia State Governor Alex Otti urged Nigerians to learn lessons from history, respect security agencies, and promote peace. Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia highlighted the need for Nigeria to remain indivisible, honouring the sacrifices of soldiers at IBB Square, Makurdi.
In Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces and their families, emphasizing the importance of remembering the fallen while ensuring ongoing care for their loved ones. He led wreath-laying, inspection of the Guard of Honour, and released ceremonial pigeons alongside dignitaries, including the Speaker of the Enugu Assembly, military officers, police, and representatives of military widows.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara ordered the immediate employment of children of fallen servicemen and launched the 2026 Emblem Appeal Fund with a ₦100 million donation, pledging continued logistical and welfare support to enhance the operational effectiveness of military formations.
In Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris announced that N80 million had been raised to support veterans and families of fallen soldiers, personally contributing N10 million. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving welfare, providing land, hajj seats, and other support for families of the fallen.
Military veterans commended the Military Pensions Board (MPB) for introducing electronic pension verification, which has eased access to pensions, especially for retirees in rural areas and those abroad. Veterans called for upward review of pensions, improved healthcare, housing support, and targeted assistance for retirees engaged in agriculture.
This year’s AFCRD included Jumma’at prayers, interdenominational services, symposiums, lectures, award nights, galas, and medical outreaches, highlighting a shift from merely commemorating fallen heroes to also celebrating serving personnel. The event underscores the nation’s commitment to honour both the sacrifices of those who served and the welfare of their families, ensuring that the legacy of courage, service, and patriotism continues to inspire Nigerians.
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