January 15, (THEWILL) — Nigeria on Thursday, January 15, 2026, marked the climax of activities commemorating the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National Arcade, Abuja.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, led the nation in honoring fallen heroes.
The President, currently on an official visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, sent a message reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the military.
The Vice President laid the first wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who represented Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, also paid her respects, alongside the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), and the Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps, Cameroon’s High Commissioner Salahuddin Ibrahim.
The current military leadership also participated in the ceremony, with wreaths laid by Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
The segment concluded with wreaths laid by the National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Ms. Grace Henry, and Mrs. Cynthia Dusu, who represented the widows of fallen heroes.
Christian and Islamic military clerics offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed and for the continued peace and unity of the nation.
Following a ceremonial 21-gun salute and the traditional “Last Post,” Vice President Shettima released white pigeons—a symbolic gesture of hope and national freedom.
He thereafter signed the anniversary register, bringing the formal proceedings to a close.
Observed annually on January 15, the date commemorates the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970 and serves as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by servicemen and women in defense of the country’s sovereignty.
The 2026 celebrations began on December 2, 2025, with the launch of the Remembrance Emblem and included nationwide prayers and humanitarian outreaches leading up to the grand finale in Abuja.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
