Defence Minister Heralds 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration”
Oru Leonard
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, addressed the nation on September 25, 2024, at the National Defence College in Abuja, heralding the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration. The annual event honors Nigeria’s fallen heroes and heroines who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace and security.
Abubakar who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana reflected on Nigeria’s decade-long struggle with internal security concerns, including insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping. He acknowledged the Armed Forces’ efforts to restore normalcy, citing successes such as the neutralization of terrorists in the Lake Chad Region and the rescue of 34 women and children from insurgents.
The Minister highlighted the significance of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in November 2023. This legislation empowers DICON to produce, stock, and dispose of ammunition, establishing a reliable supply chain for the military.
Abubakar also announced various initiatives to support veterans, including the establishment of Skills Acquisition Centres, Agricultural Development Support Programmes, and the proposed rehabilitation of the National War Museum.
The 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration will feature several events, including:
– Nigerian Legion Humanitarian Day on October 2, 2024
– Emblem Launch by President Tinubu on October 23, 2024
– Religious Services on January 10 and 12, 2025
– Wreath Laying Ceremony on January 15, 2025.
Abubakar urged the media to provide extensive coverage of these events to raise awareness about the sacrifices of Nigeria’s veterans and Armed Forces.
The Minister’s press briefing served as a call to action, honoring Nigeria’s fallen heroes and emphasizing the need for unity and peace in the nation.
