Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration 2017: IBB Sues For National Unity

In Nigeria, Armed Forces Day, also known as Remembrance Day, is celebrated on 15 January. It was formerly marked on 11 November of every year to coincide with the Remembrance Day (Poppy Day) for the World War II veterans in the British Commonwealth of Nations, but it was changed to 15 January of every year in Nigeria in commemoration of the surrender of Biafran troops to the Federal troops on 15 January 1970 thus signalling the end of the Nigerian Civil War. 

The day is marked with a Remembrance Day parade at the Cenotaph in Abuja and in the 36 state capitals. The ceremony includes 21 gun salute, playing of the Last Post, a minute's silence, laying of wreaths and release of pigeons to symbolise peace.

Meanwhile,Former Military President and elder statesman, General Ibrahim Babangida, has called for national unity, noting that “in our collective and individual resolves, we should keep Nigeria’s unity, irrespective of sectional, religious and cultural leanings”. Speaking on the occasion of the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations, Babangida expressed joy that this year’s celebration is coming at a time our armed forces are gaining more ground in the fight against insurgency.

In a statement by his media office, IBB said, “As we celebrate the Armed forces remembrance day, we should take a stock of our uniqueness and sacrifices by our men and women of the armed forces especially the fallen heroes that paid the supreme sacrifices of maintaining peace not only in our country but beyond the shores of Nigeria”.

Commending the military for containing Boko Haram terrorists, Babangida posited that recent events across the country on general insecurity and economic sabotage are a source of concern to every well-meaning Nigerian. Meanwhile, Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has expressed displeasure over the way and manner soldiers who fought for the peace, unity and progress of the country are neglected and pleaded for a special attention and support for them. He made the passionate plea during the launching of the 2017 official launch/ sale of poppy to mark the Armed Forces Remembrance Appeal Week, held at Government House, Minna.

Announcing a cash donation of N6million, on behalf of the state government and a personal donation of N250, 000, the governor directed all local government councils in the state to support legionnaires.