The nation came to a standstill on Wednesday as Nigeria marked the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, paying homage to the gallant troops who sacrificed their lives to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Eagle Square in Abuja served as the solemn backdrop for the annual event, where Kashim Shettima, Vice President representing President Bola Tinubu, led the commemoration.

Tinubu is currently attending the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Dignitaries at the event included members of the Federal Executive Council, Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, service chiefs, Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Chief Justice of Nigeria and other top government and military officials.

The gathering also saw the attendance of military widows, spouses of fallen officers, and members of the diplomatic corps.

The ceremony featured a symbolic gun salute, the laying of wreaths, and other military rituals honouring the bravery and sacrifices of Nigeria’s armed forces.

Ahmed Ododo, Governor of Kogi State, in Lokoja assured to the families of Nigeria’s fallen heroes the provision of free health insurance for the spouses of soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

“This is not just a statement or promise, but a deliberate effort by my administration to provide aid for the families of Nigeria’s fallen heroes living in Kogi State. I will adhere to this commitment religiously,” the governor stated.

Ododo emphasized the collective responsibility of both the government and individuals to support the families of deceased soldiers.

“The sacrifices of our fallen heroes will not be in vain. Their bravery reminds us of the unity and strength of our nation. I urge well-to-do individuals to extend a hand of fellowship to these families, as their welfare should not rest solely on the government,” he added.

At 64 years post-independence, Nigeria continues to grapple with security challenges, but the sacrifices of its armed forces remain the bedrock of the country’s unity and resilience.

As the nation commemorates this solemn day, the message from both federal and state leaders is clear: the legacy of the fallen heroes will endure, and their families will not be forgotten.