Shettima, Akume, Akpabio, Abbas honor fallen heroes at armed forces remembrance day parade
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, led the wreath-laying ceremony on Monday at the National Arcade, marking the climax of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Abuja.
The annual event, organized by the Ministry of Defence, honors Nigeria’s fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives in the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping missions worldwide, and various internal security operations.
January 15, chosen to commemorate the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970, serves as Nigeria’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day. Previously observed on November 11 with other Commonwealth nations, the date was changed to reflect the country’s historical significance.
Vice President Shettima, accompanied by the Commander of the Guards Brigade, performed the ceremonial duties on behalf of President Tinubu, who is attending the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in the United Arab Emirates. Tinubu’s participation at the summit, hosted by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, focuses on accelerating sustainable development and advancing global socioeconomic progress.
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Other dignitaries in attendance included Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa; service chiefs; Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila; and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Also present were Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru and members of the diplomatic corps.
The event featured a solemn wreath-laying ceremony to honor the memories of Nigeria’s military heroes, followed by Vice President Shettima’s symbolic release of white pigeons, representing peace and hope.
