The Defence Headquarters has announced the renaming of Armed Forces Remembrance Day to Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
The change was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, who said the new name reflects the dual purpose of the annual observance.
According to Uba, the occasion is intended both to honour serving personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and to remember those who lost their lives in defence of the country.
“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.
He explained that the commemoration is preceded by a week-long series of activities and culminates in a grand parade and wreath-laying ceremony on January 15.
Uba noted that the previous name, Armed Forces Remembrance Day, placed greater emphasis on fallen personnel, while the new designation better captures the intent to celebrate active-duty service members alongside remembrance of the fallen.
He urged media organisations to adopt the new name in all future reports and coverage.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria respectfully urges members of the media to adopt ‘Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day’ in all future coverage. The AFN appreciates the media’s continued support in the fight against insecurity and looks forward to even stronger collaboration,” he added.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day has traditionally been observed on January 15 to commemorate Nigerian soldiers who died in the service of the nation, with wreath-laying ceremonies held nationwide.
The renaming reflects the military’s effort to strike a balance between honouring fallen heroes and recognising the contributions of serving personnel.
