Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Remembering the Labour of Our Heroes Past 

 Every January 15 is marked as the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, a day set aside to celebrate fallen heroes who died in the line of duty, as well as those still in service. This year, it again afforded the military hierarchy the opportunity to solidify the unwavering commitment and heroism demonstrated by its personnel. For Nigerians, it was also an avenue to reflect on the sacrifices by our fallen heroes who gave their today for our tomorrow while defending the territorial integrity of our nation. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes

The 10th line of Nigeria’s National Anthem reads thus; ‘the labours of our heroes past, shall never be in vain’. How fitting that is for our Armed Forces as they labour to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria, whether on land, air or sea.

Although the importance of celebrating our Armed Forces can never be understated, the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) is a day set aside annually every January 15  to honour our fallen heroes in the military who paid the ultimate price while defending the unity, and sovereignty of the country.

This year will not  be different as the federal government and all states will  mark the day across the nation. 

Armed Forces Remembrance Day

Formerly celebrated on November 11 of every year to coincide with the Remembrance Day (Poppy Day) for the World War 11 veterans in the British Commonwealth of Nations, it was later  changed to January 15 in Nigeria in commemoration of the surrender of Biafran troops to the federal troops on January 15, 1970, thus concluding the Nigerian Civil War that almost brought Nigeria to its knees. 

Annually, this national day celebrates military personnel including the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Legion, and in 

commemorating the day, several military traditions are adhered to whether marked at the federal, state or local level.  Symbolisms include the release of pigeons to symbolise peace, placing of wreaths, playing of the last post, Remembrance Day parade, shooting of guns. 

But before all these, the Nigerian Legion Humanitarian Day, which involves community service by the veterans as well as empowerment of widows and orphans of fallen heroes, is held which then leads to emblem launch by the president. This launch set things off in motion as the sale of the emblems begins nationwide and the proceeds of the sale of the remembrance emblem are deposited to the Nigerian Legion, a body of veterans. 

To kick off the AFCRD properly, the Jumma’at Service at the National Mosque is followed by an inter-denominational service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja (note that all these events took place simultaneously in all the states). 

On the AFCRD proper, the wreath laying ceremony, which is the peak of the celebration happens when the president and other dignitaries lay wreath at the National Cenotaph in Abuja amongst other symbolisms. This will also done simultaneously by governors in their respective states.  

I Will Continue to Prioritise Your Welfare, Remain Resolute in Defeating All Forms of Security Threats- CDS 

In his goodwill message on the occasion of this year’s AFCRD, the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS General Christopher Musa,  charged personnel to remain resolute in defeating all forms of security threats so as to ensure enduring peace and security in every area of the country as he will continue to prioritise their welfare while steering the affairs of the armed forces.

He said: “On this special occasion, let me also honour and acknowledge the immeasurable contributions of our gallant officers and men both serving and retired. Your selfless dedication to service in protecting our nation’s freedom and security has resulted in the relative peace which we enjoy today.

“I assure you of my unremitting support as you continue to uphold our values of respect for the rule of law, professionalism, loyalty to constituted authority, discipline, selfless service and courage. For those who have suffered one form of injury or the other, we appreciate you and we will continue to pray for your quick recovery. 

“Similarly, for those who have passed on, we thank you for your great sacrifices. Always remember that all your efforts and steadfast devotion in defence of our democracy and national unity in line with our constitutional roles will never be in vain.

“Furthermore, as we reflect on the gains achieved so far, I charge you to remain resolute in defeating all forms of security threats so as to ensure enduring peace and security in every area of our dear nation. 

“On my own part, I will continue to prioritise your welfare while steering the affairs of the armed forces in line with my leadership philosophy which is “To Nurture a Professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is People Centric, Capable of Meeting its Constitutional Responsibilities in a Joint and Collaborative Environment”. I therefore urge you to continue to remain vigilant and uncompromising in the discharge of your constitutional responsibilities.

“Worthy of note, our profound gratitude goes to His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his numerous and timely support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria. I assure Mr President of our unalloyed loyalty and commitment to defending our nation’s democratic values whilst ensuring peace and cohesion in the country. 

“Similarly, let me appreciate our esteemed families, particularly our spouses, for their inestimable roles in keeping the home front whenever duty beckons on us. Your untold sacrifices as a result of our prolonged absence have been impactful and productive. 

“This is evident in the qualitative outputs of the men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in their respective areas of national assignment. While appreciating you in this regard, I implore you to sustain your efforts in ensuring that our homes remain peaceful.”

Welfare Tops the Priority of My Agenda for the Nigerian Army – COAS

On the part of the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja reiterated his commitment to the welfare and well-being  of Nigerian Army personnel and that of their families, under his watch.

The COAS gave the assurance on January 13, 2024, while addressing troops and their families at the Nigerian Army Finance Corps West African Social Activities (WASA) marking end of the year 2023, held at the Headquarters Command Finance Office Parade Ground, Arakan Barracks, Apapa Lagos. 

Describing welfare as the number one pillar upon which Sound Administration rests in his Command Philosophy, the COAS, reassured troops that their welfare tops the  priority of his agenda for the NA. He pledged that he will not fail to improve troops’ welfare at every opportunity. 

General Lagbaja urged the troops to  be on the lookout as more efforts to improve the standard of living accommodation across NA’s barracks and cantonments will become more visible in the new year. The COAS promised to work in consonance with Mr President’s stringent financial measures to curb wastage in order to revamp the country’s ailing economy.

According to the Army Chief, “We hope to achieve this, despite budgetary constraints, through prudent management of available resources.

I assure you that irrespective of the belt-tightening measures that government policies may require, the Army Headquarters will continue to invest in programs and initiatives that will enhance your welfare and well-being.”

Sustained Momentum as Best Tribute to Fallen Heroes- CAS 

For the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, there is no better way to pay tribute to members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria who have paid the supreme price in the defence of Nigeria than to sustain the joint air, ground and maritime strikes against terrorists, insurgents, economic saboteurs and other non-state actors in the country.

 The CAS stated this while commending the Air Component Commanders of the various joint theatres of operation in the country for the series of successful air strikes undertaken since the beginning of year 2024, just as the nation prepares to celebrate the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

He said: ” Indeed, as recent as yesterday, 13 January 2024, air interdiction strikes by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai at Tumbunma Baba near Lake Chad, proved successful as several terrorists were eliminated and their vehicles and structures destroyed.”

Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar noted that while the entire nation can never repay the fallen heroes, efforts at restoring peace and tranquillity in all parts of the country must be sustained to return the country to its peaceful past which was made possible by the dedication and commitment of the fallen heroes. 

According to him, “We have no excuse not to deliver on our mandate as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government has provided the wherewithal for us to succeed. We must, therefore,  continue to sustain the momentum of our operations and give our citizens the confidence they require to go about their businesses without fear.”

The CAS also called on all Nigerians to continue to offer gratitude, goodwill, solidarity and unrelenting prayers to the fallen heroes and their families. In doing so, CAS opined that the entire nation will not only be according these great patriots the honour and credit they truly deserve but also reassuring those still in service that the country would never forget their sacrifices nor forsake them in their own hours of needs.

Earlier, the CAS had approved the commencement of the maiden Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Veterans Outreach Programme from  12-13 January 2024 in the three oldest NAF Commands located at Makurdi, Kaduna and Lagos. 

According to the DOPRI, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the aim is to give back to NAF retired officers, airmen and airwomen through medical outreaches, health support talks/lectures and interactive sessions with respective AOCs/Base Comds. 

He said: “Other objectives of the outreach include boosting the morale of the veterans by giving them a sense of belonging while also serving as a forum to discuss and resolve observed challenges that are peculiar to retirees’ welfare. 

“It is also anticipated that the programme will go a long way in uplifting the spirit of the veterans while also assuring them that their services and sacrifices to the nation remain deeply appreciated and unforgettable.

” It will also demonstrate a positive message of care to those currently serving, reinforcing the value the NAF places on their ongoing efforts at safeguarding lives and properties of Nigerians, while encouraging them to continue to dedicate their services to the nation.”