FG Begins Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration with Nationwide Prayers for Fallen Heroes
The 2026 Nigerian Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance Day formally commenced on Friday, January 9, with special Juma’at prayers held simultaneously at the National Mosque in Abuja, central mosques across the 36 states, and military formations nationwide.
The week-long event, organised by the Ministry of Defence, is themed “Valour, Sacrifice, and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes,” a reflection of the professionalism, resilience and sacrifices of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces in safeguarding the nation.
Special prayers were offered for fallen heroes, serving personnel and the peace and unity of Nigeria, alongside sermons emphasising patriotism, national cohesion and selfless service. Dignitaries expected at the prayers include the President, state governors, Service Chiefs, senior government officials and military veterans.
According to the programme of events released by the Chairman of the National Planning Committee, Mrs Bosede Olaniyi, who is also the Director of the Joint Services Department at the Ministry of Defence, the celebrations will run from January 9 to January 15, 2026, featuring a mix of solemn remembrance, humanitarian outreach and ceremonial activities.
Activities continue on Saturday, January 10, with a Humanitarian Outreach and Family and Community Day at major military barracks nationwide, including Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja, as well as the Nigeria Legion Headquarters, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
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On Sunday, January 11, a Special Thanksgiving and Interdenominational Church Service will be held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja and designated military and civilian churches across the states at 2:00 p.m.
The programme further includes a National Symposium and Lecture Series on Monday, January 12, at the National Defence College, Abuja, themed “Securing Nigeria’s Future: The Armed Forces and National Development,” scheduled for 10:00 a.m.
A Gala and Award Night will follow on Tuesday, January 13, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with a red-carpet reception at 5:00 p.m. and the main event commencing at 6:00 p.m.
The celebrations will culminate on Thursday, January 15 — Armed Forces Remembrance Day proper — with a National Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the National Arcade, Abuja, and concurrently in all state capitals from 8:00 a.m.
Highlights of the Remembrance Day ceremony include wreath-laying by the President, Vice-President, Service Chiefs and members of the Diplomatic Corps, a 21-gun salute, the sounding of the Last Post, a minute of silence, and a ceremonial parade by the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and Legionnaires.
The Ministry of Defence noted that the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Week is designed to honour the courage and sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen and serving military personnel, foster national unity, and showcase the humanity and professionalism of the Armed Forces in service to the nation.
The statement was signed by Iheoma-Hart Queeneth, Chief Information Officer, on behalf of the Sub-Committee on Publicity for the Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance Day.
By PRNigeria
