The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has stated that January 15 each year is officially designated as Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
According to the DHQ, the occasion, formerly called Armed Forces Remembrance Day, was renamed to Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day to more accurately capture its purpose of celebrating serving personnel while also honouring fallen heroes.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.
The statement read, “January 15 is set aside annually by the Federal Government of Nigeria to honor the living personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) 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 properties of its citizens.
“Previously known as ‘Armed Forces Remembrance Day’, the name was officially changed to ‘Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day’ to better reflect the dual essence of the occasion in honouring the living while also acknowledging the fallen heroes.
“The day is preceded by a week of various activities, culminating in a grand parade and wreath-laying ceremony on 15 January.
General Uba urged the media to adopt “Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day” in all future coverage.
He appreciated the media’s unwavering support in the fight against insecurity, and “looks forward to even stronger collaboration ahead.”