President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, led the National Assembly, armed forces and other stakeholders to honour the country’s living and fallen heroes at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, situated at the National Arcade, Abuja.
The ceremony was the climax of the activities, which began with the launch of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem in October.
Also in attendance at the event were the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru; and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola.
Others were the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, who led service chiefs, and the Inspector General of Police.
Christian and Muslim prayers were offered for the living and for the peaceful repose of the departed heroes, who fought for global peace. This was followed by one-minute silence in honour of the departed.
Tinubu led the wreath-laying ceremony, accompanied by the Commander, Guards Brigade at the foot of the Unknown Soldier.
This was followed by the President of the Senate, Speaker, House of Representatives, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Minister of the FCT, Minister of State for Defence and the diplomatic corps
MEANWHILE, Nigerian Legion has urged the Federal Government “not get tired of looking at the welfare of veterans,” especially as it relates to salary increase for serving members of the armed forces.
Chairman of Nigerian Legion, Maj-Gen Abdulmalik Jibrin (retd), made the call, yesterday, at the end of ceremonies marking the Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Abuja.
Fielding questions from newsmen at the end of the ceremony, Jibrin said: “I want government, in addition to creating this day, to continue to enhance the well-being of those that have served and left. Government should not get tired of looking at the welfare of veterans, especially when it relates to the increase of salary of serving members of the armed forces.”
On how government can assist retirees and families of heroes, Jibrin said it should consider “improvement and increase in pension and allowances after service.”
