President Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated the Armed Forces Emblem with the sum of N10m, calling on Nigerians home and abroad to donate generously to the cause of the Nigerian Legion and families of the fallen heroes. He stated this in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The President implored all Nigerians to procure and wear the emblem as a way of identifying with those who laid down their lives, the incapacitated and others who risk their lives daily in order to guarantee the peace and security of the country.
“We will always remember them and the respect we owe them”.
He also stated that it is worthwhile to honour distinguished veterans who paid the supreme sacrifice to keep the country united.
“The resolve by our countrymen and women to remain in one indivisible and indissoluble nation, Nigeria is at the centre of this celebration. Indeed the Remembrance Day Celebration is being marked on the 15th of January, instead of 11th of November as in other Commonwealth nations to commemorate the end of the Nigerian civil war – a war that was fought to keep Nigeria one”.
Buhari added that Nigerians should always remember what led to the war and make a resolve never to allow Nigeria experience another war through our actions or inactions.
“As a Government, we desire to improve the capability of our Armed Forces. I am glad that our efforts are yielding positive results already in boosting the morale of men and women of the Armed Forces.
“We will continue to engage them in training and retraining to improve their capacity to discharge their constitutional roles”.
“Let me use this opportunity to thank the State Governors who are patrons of the Legion in their respective States, for the support they have been rendering to the Legion. I urge them to continue and improve on this even in the face of dwindling resources”.
“I also hereby launch the Partnership Scheme for the Armed Forces in which all Nigerians, corporate organisations and government agencies should support and partner with the Nigerian Armed Forces in appreciation of the sacrifices of these honourable men and women”.
Remark from Minister of Defence
The Minister of Defence, Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali, noted that there was low patronage of the emblems by Nigerians, describing it as very discouraging. He added that there was the need to emulate the practice in other Countries where 80-90% of citizens procure and adorn the emblem during their remembrance period.
“One sure way of identifying with our Armed Forces and contributing to the welfare of our Veterans and families of the fallen heroes is to procure and wear the emblem with pride”.
Dan-Ali pointed out that awareness and consciousness on the Armed Forces Remembrance Day be made through inter-ministerial collaboration between the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Information and other relevant Ministries, Department and Agencies.
“We are also enjoined to make donations at this period to the Nigerian Legion to cater for incapacitated veterans and the families of the fallen heroes. Emblem launch and sales have been a veritable source of raising funds that are used to cater for the welfare and needs of the families of their departed colleagues”.
Dan-Ali stated that part of the funds raised would be dedicated to the families of fallen heroes, legionnaires and selected military hospitals in the North East.
Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance Day
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is celebrated annually, to honour soldiers, who fought in the First World War and Second World War, as well as those who fought the Civil War, as well as those who are still serving in the Armed Forces.
It was previously celebrated November 11 every year, to coincide with the Remembrance Day (Poppy Day) for the World War II veterans in the British Commonwealth of Nations.
In Nigeria however, the Armed Forces Remembrance Day is celebrated January 15 in commemoration of the submission of Biafran troops to the Federal troops in January 15 1970, thus signalling the end of the Nigerian Civil War that sought to tear the unity of the Country apart.
Military Personnel consisting of the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Nigerian Legion converge yearly in different arenas across the Country to celebrate the fallen and living heroes. The event is usually held at the Federal, State and Local Government levels.
Events like placing of wreaths, releasing of pigeons (symbolizing peace), shooting of guns, Remembrance Day parade, amongst others take place on that day.
