On Wednesday, President Goodluck Jonathan led a delegation of legislature, judiciary, military and paramilitary organisations leaders to honour Nigeria's fallen heroes at the National Arcade in Abuja.
The annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony of wreath laying started at 10 a.m. when the President, who is also the Grand Patron of the Nigerian Legion, arrived at the venue. There was a general salute, rendition of the National Anthem and inspection of parade in four colours (the national colour and the three regimental colours of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force).
The gathering then prayed for the repose of souls of the departed heroes, for peace, security and unity of Nigeria's Christians and Muslims.
Shortly after the prayers, the President, Vice-President Namadi Sambo, the Senate President David Mark, Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal each laid wreath, followed by Chief Justice of Nigeria Aloma Mukhtar, the Minister of Information and Supervising Minister of Defence Labaran Maku, FCT Minister Malam Bala Mohammed, Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Ola Ibrahim, Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen Azubuike Ihejirika, Chief of Naval Staff Vice-Adm. Dele Ezeoba, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshall Alex Badeh, Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and the High Commissioner of Cameroon to Nigeria Abbas Saludeen, Chairman of the Nigerian Legion retired Col. Micah Gayya.
After that, military and paramilitary men on parade, commanded by Maj. David Erasmus, fired guns and saluted. In the end, President Jonathan released a flock of white pigeons as symbols of freedom, unity, peace and harmony.
The annual ceremony is held in honour and remembrance of fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and unity of Nigeria. The ceremony is also meant to appreciate members of Armed Forces who survived various wars.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is globally celebrated on December 11. In Nigeria, however, it is held on January 15, the day of the first military coup in the country as well as the date that the Nigerian civil war ended.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Emeka Ihedioha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, ministers and other senior government officials.
Also in attendance were members of the armed forces and their wives, members of the Nigerian Legion and widows of the departed heroes.
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