…Abiodun, emphasize importance of collective efforts to keep Nigeria in unity
The mood at the iconic Eagle Square in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, was sombre and reflective on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, as the nation stood still to honour the unmatched patriotism and sacrifices of fallen heroes on the occasion of the 2025 Armed Forces’ Remembrance Day on Wednesday.
Nigeria is 64 years old — after independence — but behind the continued existence of the nation are the sacrifices of hundreds, even thousands of gallant troops who paid the supreme price in defence of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu who has been away attending the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in the UAE. 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”.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has emphasized the importance of collective efforts to keep Nigeria in unity, saying its indivisibility remains not negotiable.
Speaking at the Special Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony to commemorate the Year 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Wednesday, the Governor urged Nigerians to collaborate with government at all levels to maintain the nation’s integrity.
Governor Abiodun noted that Armed Forces Remembrance Day serves as a solemn occasion to honour those who sacrificed their lives to protect the country from both external and internal threats as he expressed his firm belief in the potential for Nigeria to thrive once again.
He urged Nigerians to make it a priority to remember and celebrate the fallen heroes in their daily lives.
“We honour them not only for making the ultimate sacrifice but also for the loved ones they have left behind, including their widows and widowers,” he said.
Abiodun reiterated the importance of remembering the fallen heroes beyond just the designated day of January 15 each year.
“We should strive to commemorate their contributions every day, showing love and support to those they have left behind. Many of these individuals simply need to know that we care,” he added.
The Governor stressed the need to ensure Nigeria remains united and indivisible, asserting that this is a meaningful way to honour the sacrifices made by those who fought for the nation.
“We must also do everything to ensure that this nation called Nigeria remains one and indivisible. That is another way we can show them love and appreciation that all that fight that has made them sacrifice their life for this nation has not been in vain,” he said.
The event featured a symbolic release of doves to represent peace and the laying of wreaths by Governor Abiodun, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, the Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, as well as paramount rulers from across the state, the Commissioner of Police, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Legion, the Commandant of the 35 Artillery Brigade, the Nigerian Navy Secondary School, and a widow of one of the fallen heroes.
