By Nkechi Eze
In commemoration of the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, the Defence Headquarters, in a bid to honour the memories of fallen heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation, have organized a regimental dinner night. This special event is a tribute to their bravery and service, recognizing the invaluable contribution they have made to protect the country.
The Special Guest of Honour President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, represented by the Deputy Senate President, delivered a keynote address highlighting that Nigeria’s challenges require more than just bravery and resilience – they demand innovative solutions and adaptability.
“We must continue reversing the capabilities of our military, equipping them with the resources and support necessary to effectively address the evolving security challenges that daily confront us.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is more than just a military establishment, it represents the cornerstone of our national security, the guidance of our sovereignty and the embodiment of our collective resolve to uphold the peace and integrity of our dear nation.
“The dedication and professionalism exhibited by our servicemen and women is and should indeed be a source of pride, a source of inspiration to all Nigerians” he stated.
President Tinubu recognized the outstanding contributions of the awards recipients, noting that their exemplary service and commitment to nation have not gone unnoticed.
“You stand as shining examples of what it means to serve this country selflessly. Your work not only contributes to the safety of our nation, but also serves as a motivation for others in the armed forces and beyond. You are the lifeblood of our military and we celebrate you with great joy tonight.
“As we share memories tonight, let us strengthen the bonds of friendship and mutual respect that unite us all. May we continue to support one another, fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose as we strive towards a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
“It is also imperative that we remain steadfast in our support for our armed forces and work collectively towards enhanced security and progress in the country. The road ahead may not always be easy, but together we can overcome any challenge. Let me assure you that we will continue to prioritize the welfare and well-being of our armed forces personnel, ensuring that they have the necessary resources and support to carry out their duties effectively” he said.
The President expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff and the entire organizing team for their outstanding efforts in bringing everyone together to honor and celebrate in a unique and innovative way, thereby establishing a new tradition that marks a significant milestone since his assumption of office.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, in his remarks stated that the Regimental Dinner Night was not only to remember the sacrifice of our fallen heroes who have laid down their lives to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty, but also to pay tribute to the unwavering courage and resilience of our officers across the armed forces. Additionally, we solemnly remember and honour our fallen heroes, acknowledging their remarkable achievements, unshakeable loyalty, and selfless dedication.
“We further recognise the unwavering effort of our armed forces to address the security challenges and promote peace in our region. We commend the bravery, resilience and commitment to duty by all our strong men. The families of our fallen heroes we reassure you that their sacrifice will never forgotten.
“As we continue to support and ensure that their memories are honoured and celebrated, let us also recognize the contribution of our veterans who have served our nation with distinction and honour, including those who are currently serving across various military formations and institutions.”
Gen. Musa thanked rtd chiefs of defence staff and service chiefs for their immense contribution to the development of the Armed Forces.
“Your actions inspire not only our peers but also the upcoming generation,” he said.
“As we move forward, we must continue to work together to address the various challenges across every structure of the country, by fostering the spirit of unity, cooperation and collective responsibility.
“We owe it to our fallen heroes to ensure that they their sacrifices do not go in vain.”
The Regimental Dinner Night’s main event was the reveal of the recipients for several prestigious awards, including:
CDS Commendation Award: recognizing individuals who have gone above and beyond their normal duties
Defence Invention Medal: honoring innovative contributions to defence
Defence Research Medal: acknowledging outstanding research in defence
Defence Recognition Medal: appreciating exceptional service and dedication
Defence Veteran Medal: honoring the bravery and sacrifices of veterans
Defence Valour Medal: recognizing acts of exceptional courage and bravery in defence
