Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The 2026 Nigerian Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance day begins today, Friday, 9 January 2026, with Special Juma’at prayers at the National Mosque, Abuja, Central mosques in the 36 states, and all military formations nationwide with the theme:
“Valour, Sacrifice, and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes” — a theme chosen to highlight the role, professionalism, and sacrifice of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the present dispensation. This was contained in a statement signed by Iheoma-Hart Queeneth (CIO), For: Sub-Committee on Publicity (Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day).
The statement reads:”Programme of Events (9–15 January 2026) as released by the National planning committee chairman Mrs Bosede Olaniyi, who is also the Director of Joint Services Department of the Ministry of Defence will flow as follows .
• Friday, 9 January 2026
• Special Juma’at services at National Mosque, Abuja; central mosques in the 36 states; and military formations nationwide. Special prayers will be offered for fallen heroes, serving personnel, and national peace, accompanied by sermons on sacrifice, unity, and patriotism. Dignitaries including Mr. President, Governors, Service Chiefs, senior officials, and veterans are expected to attend.
• Saturday , 10th January 2026
• Humanitarian Outreach / Family & Community Day at major military barracks nationwide (including Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja) and at the Nigeria Legion Headquarters — 10:00 am.
•Sunday, 11th January 2026
• Special Thanksgiving & Interdenominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, and at military churches and designated churches in the 36 states — 2:00 pm.
• Monday, 12 January 2026
• National Symposium / Lecture Series at the National Defence College, Abuja. Theme: “Securing Nigeria’s Future: The Armed Forces and National Development” — 10:00 am.
• Tuesday, 13 January 2026
• Gala & Award Night at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja. Red carpet 5:00 pm; event 6:00 pm.
• Thursday, 15 January 2026 (Armed Forces Remembrance Day — Proper)
• National Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the National Arcade, Abuja, and simultaneously in state capitals — 8:00 am.
• Ceremony highlights: wreath-laying by the President, Vice‑President, Service Chiefs and the Diplomatic Corps; 21‑gun salute; the Last Post and a national minute of silence; and a parade by the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and Legionnaires.
“The 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Week celebrates courage and fosters national unity and honours sacrifice. The programme balances solemn remembrance with national pride and showcases the heroism, professionalism, and humanity of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, “it also added.
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