The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has renamed the Armed Forces Remembrance Day as Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
A statement issued on Thursday by Samaila Uba, director of defence information at the DHQ, said the name change was necessary to reflect the dual purpose of the occasion, which includes honouring serving personnel of the armed forces and remembering those who lost their lives in the defence of the country.
The event is celebrated annually on January 15 to honour serving personnel, veterans, and fallen members of the armed forces.
“January 15 is set aside annually by the Federal Government of Nigeria to honour the living personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria while acknowledging the sacrifices of those who have paid the supreme price to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity as well as the lives and properties of its citizens,” the statement reads.
“The day is preceded by a week of various activities, culminating in a grand parade and wreath-laying ceremony on 15 January. Previously known as ‘Armed Forces Remembrance Day’, the name was officially changed to ‘Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day’ to better reflect the dual essence of the occasion in honouring the living while also acknowledging the fallen heroes.”
Uba asked the media to adopt the new name for all coverage.
Last month, President Bola Tinubu launched the emblem and appeal fund for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
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