Ofodirinwa: I have not seen or heard kpim from his side. Not even jubril that was smiling up and down is visible. How does an entire former president disappear into thin air like that?
Spirit7957: If you are fortunate enough to see this please don't ever think of joining the Nigeria Armed Forces especially that one called the ARMY because your sacrifices will be in vain, don't let any form of frustration or suffering or passion compel or deceive you in to joining. I am talking from experience o.
On this Armed Forces Remembrance Day, I join other Nigerians in appreciating our military men who, in order to ensure peace and security within our borders, are willing to pay untold sacrifices.
Today, we encourage them to remain resolute in their resolve to conquer the ugly monster of insecurity currently ravaging our dear nation. We remember especially our fallen heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending the peace, unity and territorial integrity of our dear nation. We appreciate and honour them for their heroic deeds, while showing love and support to their bereaved families. Great nations are built by rulers, citizens and the protectors of freedom - the military.
Our story as a nation, therefore, will not be complete, without their courageous sacrifices which takes them away from the comfort of their homes and the embrace of their loved ones.
With the country going through very challenging times in its war against terrorism, violence, crime and all manner of insecurity, we show our support and solidarity to our military men, and urge them not to be despirited, even when they feel overstretched by the war.
May this day renew their love, zeal, and courage to remain firm in their struggles for a peaceful and crime-free Nigeria. May we the leaders, ensure that the welfare of our armed forces and their families, are well taken care of, as they graciously serve our nation. -PO
DIVERSION OF VEHICLES- ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY
Dear All,
There will be traffic diversion from routes leading to the venue of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration in Abuja at the National Arcade, on Monday, January 15, 2024.
In line with security arrangement for the event, there will be closure of access road to the arcade, the Federal Secretariat Complexes (Phases I,II, III), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs between 12pm (1200HRS) on Monday, and 1pm (1300HRS), 15 January 2024. . Listed below are the routes which would serve as diversion points from Eagle Square (National Arcade), where the ceremony will hold:
A. Water Board/Deeper Life Junction. B. Aso Drive by DSS Headquarters-DPO Mpape. C. FCDA by Finance Headquarters. D Bayelsa House. E. Gana Street-Transcorp Hilton. F. NITEL Junction by Ahmadu Bello Way. G. Kur Mohammed by Benue House. H. NNPC Towers. I. Federal Secretariat Phase III under the bridge. J. Behind Foreign Affairs under the bridge. K. FCDA by POWA. L. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Expressway (Inter Section into 3 Arm Zone). M. Flyover by Jaiz Bank.
In addition to above, heavy traffic is expected at the following locations: The Eagle Square, National Assembly Junction, Federal Secretariat Phase 3, Bullet Junction, Aso Drive, Millennium Towers, Old Parade Ground, Supreme Court Park and Water Board by Deeper Life Junction. Other areas include the Bayelsa House, Transcorp Hilton, Nitel Junction by Ahmadu Bello Way, NNPC Towers, FCDA by POWA and Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Expressway.
NAF HOLDS VETERANS OUTREACH PROGRAMME AS PRELUDE TO 2024 ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY
As a build up to the 2024-Armed Forces Remembrance Day scheduled for 15 January 2024, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has approved the commencement of the maiden Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Veterans Outreach Programme. The Programme is scheduled to hold from 12-13 January 2024 in the 3 oldest NAF Commands located at Makurdi, Kaduna and Lagos, and aims at giving back to NAF retired officers, airmen and airwomen through medical outreaches, health support talks/lectures and interactive sessions with respective AOCs/Base Comds. Other objectives of the outreach include boosting the morale of the veterans by giving them a sense of belonging while also serving as a forum to discuss and resolve observed challenges that are peculiar to retirees’ welfare.
It is also anticipated that the programme will go a long way in uplifting the spirit of the veterans while also assuring them that their services and sacrifices to the nation remain deeply appreciated and unforgettable. It will also demonstrate a positive message of care to those currently serving, reinforcing the value the NAF places on their ongoing efforts at safeguarding lives and properties of Nigerians, while encouraging them to continue to dedicate their services to the nation.
Edward Gabkwet Air Vice Marshal Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force 12 January 2024
This was the only period during Ecomog operations that resembled what Boko Haram is doing today. I'll try and remember details from BBC World Service reports at the time.
It seemed like Ecomog was about to completely win the war in Sierra Leone. Fodhay Sankor had been arrested in Abuja and the RUF was in a difficult position. However, some Sierra Leonean Army soldiers who were unhappy, teamed up with RUF rebels to stage a coup.
A Nigerian general told the BBC that he had previously warned the troops about the refugees that were streaming into the city from a particular location. He said that they could be militants in disguise, but nothing had been done about his warning. Indeed, some RUF fighters disguised as refugees and got into the city and teemed up with the disgruntled Sierra Leonean soldiers. Ecomog was surrounded on Lungi Island.
Sierra Leone's main airport is on Lungi Island and the island was also the location of Ecomog's headquarters. Some of the Nigerian officers on Lungi Island had actually trained some of the Sierra Leonean troops that had staged the coup. Nigeria had a training agreement with Sierra Leonian long before the war broke out.
Ecomog had gotten President Tejan Kabbah out of Freetown as the coup was taking place.
The coupists were led by a young officer called Johnny Paul Koroma. They initially boasted that the Nigerians would find it difficult to take back Freetown, but they said that they were open to peace talks. Privately, some of the senior coupists admitted that they would not be able to resist sustained force from the Nigerians. Junior officers and other ranks from the coupist side went on a looting spree in Freetown and they committed a lot of atrocities.
As you can see in this video, the coupists were spooked when they saw a Nigerian warship offshore. That warship was NNS Ambe. But they probably didn't realise that NNS Ambe was an LST (it was not NNS Aradu, which had bombarded rebels in Liberia and Sierra Leone). The Nigerians probably had Ambe ready either in case they had to make an amphibious landing or in case they needed to be evacuated. Neither of those things were necessary because this was the time that General Khobe's brilliance and bravery came to the fore.
Just like E.A. Etuk had done with the Owerri Breakout in the 1960s, General Maxwell Khobe led his troops from the front to carry out the famous Freetown Breakout and to drive the rebels and coupists from Freetown. Johnny Paul Koroma was chased out of Freetown (it is believed that Charles Taylor later had him killed after he sought refuge in Liberia).
(The Sierra Leonean being interviewed is Brigadier Samuel Koroma, Johnny Paul Koroma's brother).
Thursday, April 9th 1964. Soundless footage of President Julius Nyerere of Tanganyika welcoming officers and men of the 3rd Battalion of the Nigerian Army when they paraded for him at State House in Dar-es-Salaam.
The Nigerian troops took the place of 600 British Marine Commandos who were called in to keep the peace following the Tanganyika Army mutiny in January.
President Nyerere inspected a Nigerian guard of honour and afterwards took the salute at a march past, led by the battalion's commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Pam.
Accompanying Mr Nyerere were the Tanganyika vice president, Mr Rashidi Kawawa; the Tanganyika Minister for External Affairs and Defence, Mr Oscar Kambona; and the Nigerian High Commissioner, Mr N.A.Martin.
Source: Reuters News.
Note: On April 26th 1964, Tanganyika joined with the People's Republic of Zanzibar and Pemba to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The union was influenced by Julius Nyerere's principle of Ujamaa, a key component of which stressed the need for "territorial nationalism." The country was re-named Tanzania within a year of the union.
Tuesday, March 31st 1964. Footage of the first contingent of Nigerian peacekeeping troops arriving in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanganyika (later Tanzania).
They were met at the airport by Mr. Ade Martins, the Nigerian High Commissioner to Tanganyika, members of the Tanganyika cabinet and the commander of the soon-to-depart British commandos.
Source: Reuters News Archive.
Note: The Nigerian troops took the place of 600 British Marine Commandos who were called in to keep the peace following the Tanganyika Army mutiny in January 1964. The Nigerian Army was given the role after an emergency meeting of the organisation of African Unity (OAU) in Dar-es-Salaam in February. The troops were members of the 3rd Battalion of the Nigerian Army commanded by Lt. Colonel Yakubu Pam.
Monday, September 21st 1964. Soundless footage of President Julius Nyerere of Tanganyika honouring the officers and men of the 3rd Battalion of the Nigerian Army at a farewell parade at State House in Dar-es-Salaam.
The battalion, which was led by Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Pam, had taken over the policing role undertaken by British Royal Marine commandos in April. The British commandos were called in by the Tanganyikan government after the Tanganyikan army mutinied in January. The Nigerian Army was given the role after an emergency meeting of the organisation of African Unity (OAU) in Dar-es-Salaam in February.
During the assignment, Lieutenant Colonel Pam oversaw policing as well as training duties. On September 1st, 1,100 recruits for the new Tanganyikan Army completed a three-month training programme. Those soldiers, together with troops of the 2nd battalion Tanganyikan Rifles were expected to more than make up for the loss of the 1st Battalion which was disbanded after the mutiny.
The intention was that the Nigerian soldiers would be replaced after six months by another contingent of African soldiers from either Algeria or Ethiopia, but the Tanzanian authorities decided that this was no longer necessary.
During the ceremony, President Nyerere presented Lt. Col. Pam with ivory horns and the colonel returned the favour by presenting the president with a shield.
Beneath the expansive sky, where bravery takes flight, Soldiers etch their saga in the tapestry of the night. A symphony of sacrifice, an anthem sung on high, In the corridors of history, where their echoes lie.
The canvas of courage, painted with strokes of might, Each chapter a testament to the unwavering light. Footsteps echo through the annals of time, A dance of duty, a rhythm in prose and rhyme.
The landscape of service, vast and profound, Heroes emerge, their valor unbound. Flags flutter half-mast in reverence and grace,
A tribute to the brave, a solemn embrace.
Grief, a weaver, threads sorrow in the loom, A dirge carried by the breeze, a melody of gloom. Yet within the notes, resilience is found, A tribute to warriors on sacred ground.
Through the theater of conflict, they ventured far,
Leaving behind families, guided by a distant star. In the mosaic of memory, their faces are traced, As love and sacrifice forever interlaced.
Gazing into the night, where stars softly gleam, The fallen illuminate our thoughts like a cherished dream.
In the gallery of remembrance, their names stand tall, An eternal flame, an anthem, a call.
Armed Forces Remembrance, an ode sincere, To those who found peace in duty's frontier. May the echoes of valor forever resound, In the sanctuary of silence, on consecrated ground.
Awards of gratitude, adorned with tears and pride, For heroes who, in silence, for our safety, died. In the grand symphony of honor, their spirits reside, An everlasting tribute, in which they abide.
On the 15th of January 2024, the Armed Forces Remembrance Day will be observed in Nigeria as it has been, annually. The remembrance day honors the sacrifices of Nigerian military personnel, both wounded and deceased who served in various ops. #ThankASoldier
GOODWILL MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF GENERAL CG MUSA OFR ON THE OCCASION OF THE ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY 2024
1. It is with great pleasure that I felicitate with all officers and men of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on this solemn occasion of the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2024. As we all know, this event is conducted annually to commemorate the unwavering commitment and heroism demonstrated by our nation’s servicemen and women in various military operations. Additionally, this day holds great significance as it provides us the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices, bravery and commitment of our fallen heroes in defending the territorial integrity of our country. We remember and pay our collective tribute to them for their sacrifices not just today, but every day as they gave ‘their today’ for ‘our tomorrow’.
2. On this special occasion, let me also honour and acknowledge the immeasurable contributions of our gallant officers and men both serving and retired. Your selfless dedication to service in protecting our nation's freedom and security have resulted in the relative peace which we enjoy today. I assure of my unremitting support as you continue to uphold our values of respect for the rule of law, professionalism, loyalty to constituted authority, discipline, selfless service and courage. For those who have suffered one form of injury or the other, we appreciate you and we will continue to pray for your quick recovery. Similarly, for those who have passed on, we thank you for your great sacrifices. Always remember that all your efforts and steadfast devotion in defence of our democracy and national unity in line with our constitutional roles will never be in vain.
3. Furthermore, as we reflect on the gains achieved so far, I charge you to remain resolute in defeating all forms of security threats so as to ensure enduring peace and security in every area of our dear nation. On my own part, I will continue to prioritize your welfare while steering the affairs of the armed forces in line with my leadership philosophy which is “To Nurture a Professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is People Centric, Capable of Meeting its Constitutional Responsibilities in a Joint and Collaborative Environment”. I therefore urge you to continue to remain vigilant and uncompromising in the discharge of your constitutional responsibilities.
4. Worthy of note, our profound gratitude goes to His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his numerous and timely support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria. I assure Mr President of our unalloyed loyalty and commitment in defending our nation’s democratic values whilst ensuring peace and cohesion in the country. Similarly, let me appreciate our esteemed families, particularly our spouses, for their inestimable roles in keeping the home front whenever duty beckons on us. Your untold sacrifices as a result of our prolonged absence have been impactful and productive. This is evident in the qualitative outputs of the men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in their respective areas of national assignment. While appreciating you in this regard, I implore you to sustain your efforts in ensuring that our homes remain peaceful.
5. On this note, let me once again congratulate all my gallant officers and men on this auspicious and significant occasion. I wish you all a successful Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2024. God bless the Armed Forces of Nigeria and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
General CG Musa Chief of Defence Staff 14th January 2023
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and other dignitaties attend Sunday service today, 14 Jan 2024 at the National Christian Centre in commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration scheduled for Monday, 15 Jan 2024
Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2024 Inter-Denominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja on Sunday 14 January 2024. #OnwardTogether
An interdenominational Christian service was held on Sunday, January 14th, 2024.
Blood Of Fallen Heroes Symbol Of Unity, Progress – Senate President
By Martha Obi, Abuja On Jan 14, 2024
The blood of the martyrs, Fallen Heroes is the seed sowed for the unity and progress of the country.
The Senate President, Godwin Akpabio made this known during the Interdenominational Church Service for 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The Senate President said that the blood of these courageous countrymen and women is and continues to be the seed of our unity and progress as a nation.
According to him, we remember these heroes and heroines, holding firmly to the promise of our National Anthem that their labours shall not be in vain. Just as it is our solemn duty to ensure that they did not die in vain by promoting the peace and unity of Nigeria.
The Senate President noted that now is the time for all stakeholders to set aside our differences, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliations, and come together to strategize on the way forward for this great nation that our gallant men and women of the Armed Forces paid and continue to pay, the ultimate price to preserve.
It is also a time for sober reflection, to take stock of past events such as the civil war, and to reflect on current challenges like the war on insurgency, incessant attacks on innocent Nigerians, and the spate of kidnappings across the country. We must reflect on their causes and work together to prevent future occurrences.
He called upon the church to partner with the government in a much-needed rebranding of Nigeria.
“The church is urged to continue spreading the gospel of love for oneself, others, and our country. We must blur the lines that divide us across ethnic and religious boundaries through messages of tolerance, peace, unity, and progress. This administration is more determined than ever to strengthen and promote the oneness and indivisibility of Nigeria because the strength of our great nation lies in our diversity”, he said.
He salutes the courage and appreciates the sacrifices of our men and women of the Armed Forces. Let us stand in solidarity with the families of our fallen heroes and heroines.
“I assure you that the government will continue to evolve policies to address the challenges you face as a result of your loss. The inclusion of veterans, their dependents, and caregivers into the Social Welfare Register through the Ministry of Defense is a commendable initiative of the current administration. The President, Commander-in-Chief of our Armed Forces is committed to implementing welfare programs within the services for the families of deceased personnel while making continuous efforts to address any remaining gaps”, he assured.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, today we pray, just as our National Anthem implores us, “in love and honesty to grow,” and that “the labor of our heroes past shall never be in vain.” Nigeria will remain one united, strong, and indivisible nation that all citizens and the world at large can be proud of. I call upon my compatriots to rise, for a new era of Nigerian glory is upon us.
Earlier, the Archbishop of Abuja Africa Metropolitan Church, Arch Bishop Peter Ogumiyiwa said insecurity persists in Nigeria because past Service Chiefs live in affluence, while complaint of lack of funds.
He said salaries and emoluments of military personnel should be paid as at when due if Nigeria is to be well secured.
Ogumiyiwa in his message titled “Hope of a New Dawn”, at the Special Inter-denominational Church service at the National Christian Center, Abuja, said while checkpoints have become obsolete means of containing criminalities, the military and other security personnel have turned them into tollgates.
The clergy noted that the level of insecurity in the country is worrisome, adding that the North Central has become a hotbed of insecurity in the country.
He said that “corruption in the country is endemic and become a norm, adding that for corruption to be curtailed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must beam its searchlight on every citizen, devoid of ethnic and religious coloration”.
Ogumiyiwa commended the troops of the Nigerian military for their sacrifices and for putting themselves in arms way for the peace of the country.
The Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa took the first reading while the Senate President took the second reading.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Honourable Minister of Defence, Dr Abubakar Badaru, Chief of the Air Staff, Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and other top government functionaries at the Jumaat prayer held ealier today, 12 January 2024, at the National Mosque, Abuja in commemoration of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
DIG Bala Ciroma, DIG Department of Finance and Administration, led other senior police officers to represent the IGP and entire police family today at the Jumat service to commemorate the 2024 Armed forces remembrance celebration, at the national mosque abuja.
The Hon Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni and the Hon Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON in cross-section photographs with Military, Paramilitary and some Muslim Faithfuls at Jumaat Prayer held in National Mosque, Abuja today Friday 12th, January 2024 to Commemorate the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Office of the SA on Social Media to PBAT🇳🇬 @Dolusegun16
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) attends Jumat Prayers at the National Mosque in Commeration of the Armed Forces Rememberance Day. He was joined by his Chief of staff RT Hon @FemiGbaja and other service chiefs.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) attends Jumat Prayers at the National Mosque in Commeration of the Armed Forces Rememberance Day. He was joined by his Chief of staff RT Hon @FemiGbaja and other service chiefs. pic.twitter.com/yE43JySbpM
— Office of the SA on Social Media to PBAT🇳🇬 (@Dolusegun16) January 12, 2024
A Jumat service was held on Friday, December 12th, 2024.
Armed forces remembrance: President Tinubu participates in Juma’at prayer at Abuja Nat’l Mosque January 13, 2024
Present Bola Tinubu joined other Muslim faithful for the Friday Juma’ at Prayers as part of activities lined up to commemorate this year’s armed forces remembrance day.
In the sermon, Imam of the Abuja National Mosque, Ahmad Maqari said virtues such as patriotism and love for country are required for national development just as he also insists hunger must be eradicated as part of ways of tackling insecurity.
Members of the armed forces and other Muslim faithful converge on the Abuja national mosque for Juma’at prayers.
The Friday prayer is part of activities lined up ahead of the commemoration of this year’s armed forces remembrance day, celebrated on the 15th of January.
Every year, events are scheduled to honour the servicemen of the Nigerian Armed Forces, It also honors veterans of World War I and II as well as the Nigerian Civil War.
The activities will climax with a wreath laying ceremony on Monday.
President Bola Tinubu, as Commander in Chief of the Armed forces of the federal republic of Nigeria prayed for the Armed forces and the wellbeing of the country.
In the sermon delivered by the Imam of the National Mosque, he emphasised the importance of patriotism and love for country
He also called for support for troops in the frontline fighting against all threats to National security.
The message is clear and resonates with those that also joined in praying for the Armed Forces.
The armed forces remembrance day celebration brings to the fore the sacrifices of troops in keeping the country one and the need to support them always
Senator Akpabio said it is an immense honor to stand before this gathering of the faithful as we collectively reflect, pray for, and pay tribute to our brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty to uphold peace and security in our beloved nation in particular and the world in general.
“Today, we also remember our veterans, the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who consistently find themselves in harm’s way while safeguarding Nigeria”, he said.
According to him, Nigeria, this great nation, is populated by people of diverse faiths, whether Christians, Muslims, or followers of other religions,
“Nigerians share a deep-rooted belief in God and the power of prayers. It is no small feat that despite the challenges plaguing our nation, our people remain united as one entity – Nigeria. This is a testament to the resilient spirit of unity that defines us, transcending our diversity in culture, religion, and tribe”, he said.
He added that the unity of Nigeria came at a great price.
According to him, the sustenance and defense of this unity rests on the shoulders of the men and women of the Armed Forces, and the true weight of loss is carried by the families and dependents of these fallen heroes. I
“If only we could share the pain they feel, then we would truly understand the imperative of eschewing insecurity and violence in all its forms”, he said.
He noted that wars often start from avoidable unrest and small sparks of conflict that, when left unaddressed, escalate into full-blown catastrophes.
“War destroys lives, livelihoods, cripples economies, promotes vice, and results in environmental degradation.
We must place the unity of our nation above selfish and sectional interests by guarding our words and being accommodating to our diversity while remaining sensitive to the plight of others”, he said.
The year 2023 was an eventful one, marked by general elections and a change in leadership. Our nation is still grappling with the effects of long-overdue multi-sectoral reforms needed to propel us forward and position Nigeria among the great nations of the world.
“I urge for support to the government of His Excellency President Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, during this crucial time as we strive to achieve the Nigeria of our dreams. In this regard, I reiterate the President’s assurance that “our tough times will not last” and we should renew our hope in a great Nigeria”, he advised.
Politics › Re: Has Anybody Seen Buhari Since He Stepped Down? by naptu2: 10:32pm On Jan 15, 2024
