The Honourable Minister of Defence has formally opened the Gala and Award Night of the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, describing the occasion as a powerful blend of remembrance, gratitude, celebration, and national pride.
In his welcome remarks, the Minister paid solemn tribute to fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of Nigeria, noting that their courage remains the bedrock of the nation’s freedom and sovereignty. He also commended serving personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their continued commitment to safeguarding peace and stability, often at great personal cost.
The Minister highlighted the significance of the awards presented during the night, explaining that each honour represents stories of courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to duty—many of which are carried out quietly and away from public attention. He described the award recipients as living symbols of the finest ideals of the Armed Forces.
Special appreciation was extended to the families of fallen heroes and to veterans, acknowledging their sacrifices and enduring contributions to national security. According to the Minister, peace is sustained not only by those in uniform but also by families who bear the silent burden of service.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to security under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Minister said defence reforms, modernisation of capabilities, improved welfare of personnel, and strengthened joint operations are yielding positive results across land, maritime, and air domains.
He commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that his vision and steadfast support have given clear direction to defence reforms and strengthened Nigeria’s national defence architecture.
The Gala and Award Night, he said, reflects both the solemnity of remembrance and the pride of service, while reinforcing the bond of comradeship that defines the military profession. The Minister concluded by formally declaring the Gala and Award Night open and offering prayers for the Armed Forces and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
