As his administration continues to address urgent political and socioeconomic issues, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reiterated his call for peace and unity yesterday.
According to him, peace and unity are the only pillars upon which growth can be built.
In order to achieve a successful and peaceful country, the president further urged Nigerians to avoid violence and polarizing behaviors.
President Tinubu, who is in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) for this year’s “Sustainability Week,” called on Nigerians to become peace ambassadors in his message on Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
He emphasized that a future full of optimism and hope would be made possible by our combined efforts.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and 36 states in the federation hosted solemn events to honor members of the armed forces who gave their lives in defense of Nigerian sovereignty.
At the National Arcade across from Eagle Square in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima laid wreaths on behalf of the President, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Nigerian Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Minister of Defense Abubakar Badaru, and Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Christopher Musa.
President Tinubu reminded Nigerians of the ultimate sacrifices made by the nation’s former service members and emphasized the necessity for both national and international peace in a message posted on his verified X handle, @officialABAT.
He claimed that in addition to providing a chance to show appreciation, the commemoration event allowed people to consider the military’s coordinated efforts to protect the nation’s territorial integrity.
He praised the Armed Forces members for their patriotism and urged them to recommit to the principles they upheld.
“On Armed Forces Remembrance Day, we can show our appreciation and honor our former service members who gave their lives to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria and other countries,” tweeted President Tinubu.
“The world and our country are in desperate need of peace.
“Remember that people have sacrificed their lives—and many continue to do so—to ensure our peaceful coexistence as we commemorate this tragic occasion today.
In order to create a peaceful and wealthy country, let us avoid violence and polarizing tendencies. Let’s all become peace ambassadors.
“Together, we can create a hopeful and optimistic future where harmony and peace are paramount.”
A minute of silence was observed in remembrance of the slain heroes, and prayers were said for their surviving families as well as for the country at the service, which began in Abuja at 10.07 am.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Minister of State for Defense Bello Matawale were among the other dignitaries who laid wreaths.
Wreaths were also laid by Maj Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril, the chairman of the Nigerian Legion; Mrs. Olubunmi Okiti, the representative of the Military Widows Association; and Salaheddine Abbas Ibrahima, the dean of the Diplomatic Corps and ambassador of Cameroon to Nigeria.
Three volleys were fired after the wreath-laying ceremony, and the vice president then signed the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Anniversary Register and let the pigeons fly.
George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSoF), Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, and Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs, were among the other dignitaries present.
Speaking to reporters, Badaru stated that the sacrifices made by the slain heroes should never be forgotten, emphasizing that they paid the ultimate price for protecting the nation.
He emphasized the value of solidarity and gave active military personnel the assurance that their efforts will always be remembered.
Major Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril (rtd), the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, praised President Tinubu for approving the updated terms and conditions of service for Nigerian military personnel.
He claimed that both active and retired military people would benefit from the updated terms and conditions.
He asserted that better welfare will eventually encourage soldiers to put their all into protecting the nation.
“This is an excellent signal to them that Nigerians will not forget them; they will continue to support them even after service and sacrifices,” he said.
But there’s always space for development, Jibrin noted.
He emphasized the Nigerian Legion’s function in organizing initiatives to guarantee the well-being of former service members.
Read Also: Gunmen Kill Final Year Student Of Akwa Poly
“Any official statement pertaining to the general welfare of retired members of the Armed Forces is made through the Nigerian Legion and the Minister of Defense,” he stated. Any additional sounds, both left and right, are merely theatrical.
Mrs. Bunmi Okiti, National President of the Military Widows Association (MIWA), praised Nigerians and the Federal Government for continuously remembering the sacrifices made by dead heroes.
According to her, Remembrance Day is a moment to pay tribute to departed loved ones and offer assistance to their families.
Regarding widows’ rights, Okiti recognized that her organization continues to work to help widows deal with the bureaucratic system.
“If someone is having trouble receiving their entitlements, we forward the paper, contact the appropriate authority to inquire, and make sure the process proceeds,” she stated.
Additionally, Mrs. Okiti demanded that Army officers’ unresolved life insurance claims be settled.
