To honor the memories of departed and retreat commitment to upholding the values of patriotism, loyalty and dedication that they embody, the Defence Headquarters Abuja has organised a Regimental Dinner and Award Night to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our nation.
The Regimental Dinner Night in honour of Armed Forces Celebration And Remembrance Day 2025 had in attendance representative of President Bola Tinubu, ably represented by the Deputy Senate President, Chairman Senate Committe on Army, past Chiefs of Defence Staff, Past Chiefs of Army Staff, retired Senior military officers, serving senior officers.
The Special Guest of Honour, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ably represented by the Deputy Senate President in his keynote address emphasized that the challenges Nigeria face demand not only courage and strength, but innovation and adaptability.
"We must continue reversing the capabilities of our military, equipping them with the resources and support necessary to effectively address the evolving security challenges that daily confront us.
President Tinubu added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is more than just a military establishment, stressing that it represents the cornerstone of our national security, the guidance of our sovereignty, the embodiment of our collective resolve to uphold the peace and integrity of our dear nation.
He noted that the dedication and professionalism exhibited by our servicemen and women is and should indeed be a source of pride, a source of inspiration to all Nigerians. So tonight, as we celebrate the achievements of our valiant service members, let us also look into the future.
To award recipients being honored, President Tinubu your exemplary service and commitment have not gone unnoticed.
"You stand as shining examples of what it means to serve this country selflessly and that with distinction. Your work not only contributes to the safety of our nation, but also serves as motivation for others in the armed forces and beyond. You are the lifeblood of our military and we celebrate you with great joy tonight.
"As we share the memory of the evening, let us strengthen the bonds of friendship and mutual respect that unite us all. May we continue to support one another, fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose as we strive towards a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
It is imperative also that we remain steadfast in our support for our armed forces and work collectively towards enhanced security and progress in the country. The road ahead may not always be easy, but together we can overcome any challenge. Let me assure you that we will continue to prioritize the welfare and well-being of our armed forces personnel, ensuring that they have the necessary resources and support to carry out their duties effectively.
He therefore commended the Chief of Defence Staff and all organisers of the event for bringing us together in remembrance and celebration in such an innovative manner establishing a new tradition that was not there before he assumed office.
"Thinking outside the box is the innovation that we will need beyond eating of dinner celebrating those who are alive and remembering those who are dead into the strategies needed to keep the lives and properties of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (and the people of this country safe." he noted
In his remarks, the Chief Host, Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Gwabin Musa said the military is not only remembering the sacrifice of our fallen heroes who have laid down their lives to safeguard territorial integrity and national sovereignty, but also celebrate the dominance and bravery of officers across the armed forces.
"As we celebrate our heroes, we also acknowledge the challenges confronting our nation. We further recognize the ongoing efforts of our armed forces to address emergency challenges and promote peace in our region.
"We commend bravery, resilience and commitment to duty by all in some ways, the families of our fallen heroes will once again reassure you that their sacrifices will never be forgotten. We will continue to support and ensure that their memories are honored and celebrated." he said
General Musa stressed that Regimental Dinner Night provides them with opportunity to recognize those who have positively gone above and beyond the call of duty, to do us proud to the recipients of the defense honors and awards.
He said their their achievements reflect the high standard of our military and embodiment or the values we hold there, which include courage, discipline, commitment to excellence.
"Your actions inspire us, not only your peers, but also the upcoming generation of service members who look up to you as homeowners, I want to specifically call on past chiefs of defense, staff service chiefs, past generals, past officers that have contributed a mercy with the success of the armed forces of Nigeria. we say a big thank you, and we also appreciate you for taking time out to be here today with us. Your actions is well, not only our peers also help comme duration.
He urged them to continue to work together to address the security challenges across every structure of the country by fostering the spirit of unity, cooperation and collective responsibility. "We owe it to our fallen heroes to ensure that their sacrifice are not in vain.
According to General Musa, this occasion is the first of its kind, and this is done over the years. "We tend to appreciate only the those who have sacrificed their lives, and then forgetting the fact of those that are still alive. "And we feel it's important that we also give one of those that are alive, and that's what we are as part of it today. Want to thank everyone that is here." he said
He urged them to remember the sacrifice of fallen heroes and continue to build a safer, more secure and more prosperous Nigeria.
The highlight of the Regimental Dinner Night was the unveiling of awardees for CDS Commendation Award, Defence Invention Medal, Defence Research Medal, Defence Recognition Medal, Defence Veteran Medal, and Defence Valour Medal.
Distinguished dignitaries at the Regimental Dinner Night were Representatives of the President of the Senate, Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Chairman, House of Representatives, Committee on Defense, Representatives of Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police, very senior military officers, both serving, great men who served in these various positions in the past like General Alexander Ogumudia, retired, past Chief of Defense Staff, General Martin Luther, General Hawaii, retired, past Chief of Defense Staff, General Ola Ibrahim, retired, General Gabriel Olonisakin, retired, General Lucky Irabor, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejerika, retired, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya, and retired, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, retired.