By Nkechi Eze
The Defence Headquarters on Saturday, 10 January 2026, commemorated the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026 with a Golf Kitty at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club, located within Yar’Adua Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja.
The sporting event formed part of activities lined up to honour the courage, sacrifice and service of officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, particularly those who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In an official statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, it was disclosed that the Golf Kitty brought together senior military officers and members of the golfing community in an atmosphere of camaraderie and sportsmanship, while also promoting physical fitness, mental alertness and unity within the Armed Forces.
Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour and Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), described the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day as a solemn national occasion dedicated to honouring serving personnel, military veterans, wounded-in-action troops, fallen heroes and the families they left behind.
He noted that the annual commemoration serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by officers and men of the Armed Forces in safeguarding Nigeria’s peace, unity and security, while reinforcing national appreciation and support for the military. According to him, sporting activities such as golf align with the military ethos of maintaining physical fitness, mental resilience and operational readiness.
General Musa added that the tournament also provided a valuable platform for interaction, bonding and the promotion of esprit de corps across the Armed Forces community. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support and commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the military, and also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff for his exemplary leadership and dedicated service to the nation.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed deep appreciation to officers and men of the Armed Forces for their professionalism, dedication and sacrifices in the ongoing efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s security and stability. He stressed that the Armed Forces remain central to maintaining peace across the country.
The CDS noted that the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the courage and selflessness of military personnel, past and present. He also thanked Nigerians for their continued support of the Armed Forces, emphasising that security is a collective responsibility and calling for stronger civil-military cooperation and sustained national unity to ensure a safer and more secure nation.
Also speaking, the Captain of the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Brigadier General Nicholas Ashinze, described the hosting of the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026 Golf Kitty as a great honour to the club. He disclosed that over 100 golfers participated in the tournament and expressed gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff for his presence and support.
Highlights of the event included award presentations, prizes for outstanding golfers, presentation of souvenirs and group photographs, marking a successful sporting event held in honour of Nigeria’s fallen and serving heroes.
