By Nkechi Eze
January 15 has been designated by the Federal Government of Nigeria as a day to both celebrate serving personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and honour the memory of fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation’s territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens.
In an official statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, it was clarified that the annual observance is correctly known as Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, not Armed Forces Remembrance Day as is often reported. The name change, he explained, was deliberately adopted to reflect the dual essence of the occasion, celebrating the living and remembering the dead.
According to the statement, the commemoration is preceded by a week-long programme of activities across the country, culminating in a grand parade and wreath-laying ceremony held every 15 January in honour of both serving and fallen personnel of the Armed Forces.
Major General Uba noted that the revised nomenclature underscores the nation’s appreciation of the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of troops who continue to serve, while ensuring that the memories of those who lost their lives in the line of duty remain permanently etched in national consciousness.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria also appealed to members of the media, described as guardians of the fourth estate, to consistently adopt Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in all future reports and coverage relating to the annual event.
While expressing appreciation for the media’s unwavering support in the fight against insecurity, the Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to deeper collaboration with journalists and media organisations in the collective effort to promote national unity, security and public understanding of military affairs.
