President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday led other Nigerian leaders to lay wreaths at a colourful military ceremony to commemorate the 2013 Armed Forces Remembrance day.
The ceremony ended one month of activities lined up to mark the day, which included fundraising for the veterans that was conducted under a very tight security.
The wreath-laying ceremony started with the arrival of the president and Grand Patron of the Nigerian Legion at about 10.00 a.m. at the National Arcade Three Arms Zone.
The president’s arrival was followed by the inspection of parade in four colours; the national and the three regimental colours of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.
Prayers were offered in both Christian and Islamic fashions for the repose of the souls of the departed heroes and for peace, security and unity of the nation.
Shortly after the prayers, the president began with the laying of wreaths, followed by Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark and the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal.
Others who participated were Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Mukhtar’ Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada; and FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed.
Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim; Chief of Army Staff, Gen Azubuike Ihejirika; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Alex Badeh also took their turns in the wreath-laying.
Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar; Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corp and the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo to Nigeria, Mrs. Olumba Kombe as well as the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Col. Micah Gayya (rtd) also laid wreaths.
After the ceremony, there were 21 gun salutes, after which the president later released the pigeons to signify unity, peace and harmony for the country. This was followed by the signing of register by the president, the national salute and the national Anthem to end the solemn ceremony.
The annual event is in honour and remembrance of the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the liberty of the nation and to appreciate those who survived various wars.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is celebrated globally every December 11. It, however, holds every January 15 in Nigeria because of the significance of the date to the nation. January 15 is also the day the Biafra War ended with the no-victor-no-vanquished concept and the beginning of national reintegration.
In attendance at the ceremony were Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim; National Chairman of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, minister, and top residential aides.
Members of the Armed Forces, their wives, members of the Nigerian Legion and some widows of the departed heroes were in attendance, too.
