The Nigerian Armed Forces have officially renamed the longstanding Armed Forces Remembrance Day to Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed on Thursday.
The announcement came from Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, who explained that the adjustment aims to more accurately capture the occasion’s twofold significance: paying tribute to the brave men and women currently serving in the armed forces, while solemnly honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.
“January 15 is set aside every year by the Federal Government of Nigeria to recognise the dedication and professionalism of our serving personnel, even as we remember and commemorate the fallen heroes who paid the supreme price to protect our territorial integrity, lives, and property,” General Uba stated in a release.
He noted that the day, observed annually on January 15, is the culmination of a full week of nationwide activities. These include religious services, community outreach, intellectual engagements, and ceremonial events, leading up to a grand parade and wreath-laying ceremony.
The name change reflects a deliberate effort to strike a balance — celebrating the courage, resilience, and ongoing contributions of active-duty officers and soldiers, alongside the traditional remembrance of departed comrades.
General Uba particularly appealed to media houses and journalists — whom he described as vital partners in the national security landscape — to embrace and consistently use the updated designation, Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, in all future reporting and broadcasts.
He reiterated the Armed Forces’ deep appreciation for the media’s steadfast support in the ongoing campaign against insecurity, expressing hope for even closer collaboration moving forward.
This year’s observance (2026) has already kicked off with activities across the country, underscoring the enduring value Nigerians place on the sacrifices of their military. The day also marks the historic end of the Nigerian Civil War, a poignant reminder of unity forged through shared struggle and loss.
As the nation prepares for the main events on January 15, the updated name serves as a timely reflection of gratitude to both those standing watch today and those who gave everything yesterday.
