Members of the Nigerian Army Officers' Wives Association (NAOWA) were among esteemed attendees at this year's Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day grand finale - the Regimental Parade and Wreath-Laying Ceremony.
The Deputy President NAOWA, Mrs Bilkisu Ibrahim, represented the President NAOWA and led other members of the Association to pay tributes to fallen heroes at the event which took place at the National Arcade, Abuja.
The solemn ceremony, held on Wednesday, 15 January 2025, was a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifices by members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, whose service have played a crucial role in ensuring the peace and stability of the nation.
The event featured an array of high-profile dignitaries, prominent amongst which was the Special Guest of Honour (SGOH) His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, represented by the Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima GCON, the Senate President, distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Right Honorable Tajudeen Abbas, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
Also in attendance were the Honourable Minister of Defence, His Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, His Excellency Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and the Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Nyesom Wike.
Others were the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar and the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
Also in attendance was the President DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, the NAOWA President, Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede, represented by the Deputy President NAOWA, the Vice President NOWA, Mrs Zainab Akpan, the representative of the President NAFOWA, the President POWA, Mrs Elizabeth Egbetokun, senior military officers, both serving and retired, top government functionaries, members of the diplomatic corps, captains of industry, members of the Military Officers' Widows Association and members of other paramilitary officers' wives association, amongst others.
Highlights of the event were the sounding of the last post and reveille, the traditional firing of the gun salute, signing of the anniversary register, and release of white pigeons, symbolizing national peace. The event also witnessed the customary laying of wreaths at the cenotaph.
