Remembrance Day 2026: FG, Governors Salute Fallen Soldiers, Reaffirm Support for Troops

The Federal Government and state governors on Sunday paid glowing tributes to Nigerian military personnel as the country marked the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, celebrating the courage, sacrifices and unwavering service of soldiers who have defended the nation’s unity, peace and territorial integrity.

The annual event, observed every January 15, honours members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives during the civil war, internal security operations and peacekeeping missions outside the country. Across the federation, federal and state authorities marked the day with interdenominational church services and other activities in remembrance of fallen heroes.

The ceremonies provided an opportunity for political leaders, defence officials and religious leaders to acknowledge the sacrifices of serving, retired and deceased military personnel, while renewing commitments to troop welfare and the support of families left behind.

Speaking at a church service in Abuja, Senate President Godswill Akpabio paid tribute to soldiers who died in the line of duty, describing their sacrifices as the bedrock of Nigeria’s unity, peace and development.

Represented by the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Peter Nwebonyi, Akpabio said the Federal Government and the National Assembly remained determined to restore Nigeria’s status as one of the most peaceful and secure countries in Africa.

“The sacrifices we remember today strengthen our resolve to build a safer, stronger and more united Nigeria,” he said, assuring that government efforts were focused on creating an environment where both present and future generations could thrive.

Also speaking, the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa (retd.), said President Bola Tinubu was committed to ensuring that the Armed Forces and other security agencies were properly equipped, motivated and supported to carry out their constitutional duties professionally.

He acknowledged the security challenges confronting the country but expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome them, noting that the President’s actions demonstrated a deep appreciation for service and sacrifice.

In Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji commended the Nigerian military for paying what he described as the “ultimate price” in defence of the nation’s dignity and honour.

Represented by his deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, at a special service held at the Government House Chapel in Ado Ekiti, the governor praised the armed forces for their resilience in confronting insurgency, banditry and kidnapping across the country.

Oyebanji said Armed Forces Remembrance Day was designed to honour the courage, patriotism and sacrifices of military veterans, while reassuring them that their efforts would not be in vain. He noted that while some soldiers lost their lives, many others sustained permanent injuries in the course of their duties.

“The peace and freedom we enjoy today were not cheaply won. They were paid for with sweat, blood and supreme sacrifice,” he said, urging Nigerians to demonstrate patriotism, unity and peaceful coexistence in honour of fallen heroes.

In his sermon, the chaplain of the Ekiti State Government House Chapel, Pastor Segun Awolumate, stressed that security was a collective responsibility, warning that negligence by citizens had contributed to the nation’s security challenges.

Similarly, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa paid tribute to serving, retired and fallen members of the Armed Forces during a church service at the Government House Chapel in Akure. Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the governor described the Nigerian military as a resilient and formidable institution.

He said fallen soldiers deserved a special place of honour for laying down their lives in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity, adding that their sacrifices continued to secure the nation’s present and future. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the families and widows of fallen heroes.

The chaplain of the Ondo State Government House Chapel, Pastor Oluwatobi Oke, urged Nigerians to honour fallen soldiers not only through ceremonies but by promoting peace, unity and patriotism in daily life.

Also speaking, the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure, Brig Gen J. A. Ifeanyi, said it was the collective responsibility of all Nigerians to ensure that the sacrifices of departed heroes were not in vain.

In a separate event, the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Ibikunle Ajose, reaffirmed the army’s commitment to improving troop welfare and supporting families of fallen soldiers.

Represented by the Commander of the 48 Engineer Brigade, Brig Gen Rahpeal Okoroji, he described the Remembrance Day as both a time to honour fallen heroes and to recommit to the wellbeing of serving personnel.

“Their sacrifices place a responsibility on us to care for soldiers still in uniform and the families that support them,” Okoroji said, stressing that welfare remained critical to morale and operational effectiveness, especially for troops deployed in conflict-prone areas.

He assured that the Federal Government and the military high command were committed to improving living conditions, logistics, healthcare, training opportunities and post-service benefits for members of the Armed Forces.