The Defence Headquarters has announced the renaming of Armed Forces Remembrance Day to Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
The change was confirmed on Thursday in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba. He said the new name reflects the dual purpose of the annual event: celebrating serving personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) while also honouring those who lost their lives in defence of the country.
According to Uba, January 15 remains the official date set aside by the Federal Government to recognise the sacrifices of both serving and fallen military personnel. He explained that the observance is preceded by a week-long series of activities, culminating in a parade and wreath-laying ceremony on January 15.
“January 15 is set aside annually by the Federal Government of Nigeria to honour the living personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria while acknowledging the sacrifices of those who have paid the supreme price to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity, as well as the lives and property of its citizens,” he said.
Uba noted that the event was previously known as Armed Forces Remembrance Day but was renamed to better capture its broader significance.
“The name was officially changed to ‘Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day’ to better reflect the dual essence of the occasion: honouring the living while also acknowledging the fallen heroes,” he added.
He urged media organisations to adopt the new name in all future reports and coverage, describing the media as key partners in national security efforts.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria respectfully urges guardians of the fourth estate to adopt ‘Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day’ in all future coverage,” Uba said, while appreciating the media’s continued support in the fight against insecurity.
