President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday led other top government functionaries, including Service Chiefs and members of the Diplomatic Corps, to honour the Nation’s fallen and living heroes.
The event, which involved the laying of wreaths at the National Arcade, was one of the highlights lined up for the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration.
First to lay the wreath was the President, followed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chief Justice of Nigeria.
In another order, the Minister of Defence, retired Major General Bashir Magashi and his Federal Capital Territory counterpart, Malam Mohammed Bello, laid the wreaths.
Thereafter, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin; Chiefs of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, performed the exercise.
Other dignitaries who also performed the wreath-laying ceremony were representatives of the members of the diplomatic corps as well as Nigerian Legion and widows of late officer/soldiers represented by Ladi Umar.
Buhari thereafter signed the anniversary register and released the ceremonial pigeon as a symbol of national peace.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the celebration started with series of activities, including Jummat prayer on January 8 at the National Mosque and Interdenominational Christian service on January 10.