President Tinubu, Akpabio, Wike Honour Fallen Heroes and Veterans
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The nation stood still on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, “ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY” in the heart of Nigeria, at the iconic National Arcade, to celebrate the courage, patriotism and resilience of the brave men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria at a solemn occasion, an avenue for deep reflection on the sacrifice made by military veterans, fallen heroes and soldiers who have continued to serve till this day.
The Nigerian Armed Forces are a body made up of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force. At independence, Nigeria inherited from the British colonial administration a military force which comprised the Army and Navy. There was no Air Force until 1964.
President Bola Tinubu, who has been away attending the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in the UAE was ably represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima. Aside from Shettima, other members of the cabinet were present to honour the fallen heroes and their families with the laying of wreaths, among other military rituals including gun salute.
The leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives as well as service chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and others were in attendance at the annual event.
Ministers, senior government officials, senior military officers, members of the diplomatic corps, widows of gallant officers, and the wives of military officers were also present at the occasion.
Earlier, in a statement, the Senate commended the selfless sacrifices of the military. The upper legislative chamber also commended “serving officers and soldiers who are currently maintaining the peace and ensuring that our nation is secured and safe from internal and external aggression”.
Also, the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, in continuation of the Defence of the 2025 budget by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, on Tuesday resolved to increase the budgetary provision of the Ministry of Defence to sustain the success being recorded in the fight against insurgency ravaging the country.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion moved by a member of the Committee, Hon Philip Agbese, who commended the military for their efforts when the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, appeared before the committee to defend the Ministry’s budget for 2025.
A former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (rtd) during his lecture titled “Celebrating the Armed Forces of Nigeria Force for National Development” on Tuesday explained the role of the armed forces in national development, which cannot be overstated, as it represents not only the defence of a nation’s sovereignty but also an active player in shaping socio-economic growth, peace, and stability.
He said globally, the armed forces have historically been seen as key institutions contributing to development beyond just defence, with countries leveraging military power for economic reconstruction, peacekeeping, and infrastructure development.
