By Nkechi Eze
As part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defence, has organised a special programme dedicated to the families of serving, retired and fallen officers and personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
One of such events, the Humanitarian Family and Community Day, was held on Saturday, 10 January 2026, at Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, bringing together military families in an atmosphere of solidarity, care and appreciation.
Speaking at the event, the wife of the Honourable Minister of Defence, Mrs Oghogho Lilian Christopher Musa, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, described the Family and Community Day as a meaningful platform to express love, compassion and collective support for the families of Nigeria’s fallen heroes and serving personnel.
She said the programme goes beyond ceremonial observances, as it is deliberately designed to recognise, appreciate and uplift the families and children of officers who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation, as well as those whose loved ones are currently deployed to various theatres of operation.
Mrs Musa emphasised that behind every gallant officer is a family whose strength, patience and sacrifice contribute immensely to national security. She urged Nigerians to view support for military families as both a moral duty and a national obligation.
In her welcome address, the wife of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mrs Hassana Pheelangwah, noted that the day was set aside for fun, fellowship and bonding with the families of military personnel, while also serving as an avenue to express heartfelt appreciation for the courage, dedication and sacrifices of the Armed Forces.
She highlighted that the theme of the event, “Celebrating the Strength Behind Our Soldiers,” underscores the often-unseen role families play in sustaining the morale and resilience of military personnel. According to her, while the bravery of the Armed Forces is evident on the battlefield, the true backbone of that courage lies at home in the patience of spouses, the resilience of children and the support of families.
Mrs Pheelangwah noted that behind every soldier who serves the nation with courage is a spouse who patiently waits, a child who learns to cope with absence and a family that continues to nurture and care, even under the most challenging circumstances.
The event featured a variety of games and activities aimed at fostering unity, healing and encouragement among military families. These included a family honour parade, tug of war, egg race, bouncing castles, mini-games, dancing competitions and other recreational activities.
The Family and Community Day remains a key component of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations, reinforcing national appreciation for the Armed Forces while strengthening the bond between the military, their families and the wider society.
