Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday led dignitaries to commemorate the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Eagles Square, Abuja.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, Shettima laid the first wreath at the solemn ceremony and released white pigeons to symbolize peace and unity in honor of Nigeria’s fallen heroes and living veterans.
The event, held annually on January 15, brought together top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume.
Other dignitaries in attendance were Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); Abubakar Badaru, Minister of Defence; Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence; and senior military and police officers.
Traditionally, the Armed Forces Remembrance Day is led by the president, who serves as the commander-in-chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces. However, President Tinubu was absent as he is currently attending the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2025) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The summit, running from January 12 to 18, was initiated by UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to foster global discussions on sustainability.
Tinubu’s absence marks a rare occurrence, with the last Nigerian president to miss the event being the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in January 2010 due to ill health. At the time, then-Vice President Goodluck Jonathan represented him. Jonathan later became president following Yar’Adua’s death in May 2010.
Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari both consistently attended the Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremonies throughout their administrations, underscoring the event’s importance in honoring the sacrifices of Nigeria’s military personnel.
This year’s commemoration highlighted the enduring commitment to remembering the nation’s fallen heroes and reaffirming support for veterans who served the country with distinction.