By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The 2026 Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance Day began nationwide on Friday with special Juma’at prayers held at the National Mosque, Abuja, and other central Mosques across the 36 states and military formations.

The Chairman, National Planning Committee, Mrs Bosede Olaniyi, who is also the Director of Joint Services Department, Ministry of Defence, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Olaniyi said the week-long activities, with the theme “Valour, Sacrifice, and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes,” are designed to recognise the professionalism, courage and sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the service of the nation.

According to the programme, special prayers were offered for fallen heroes, serving personnel and national peace, accompanied by sermons on sacrifice, unity and patriotism.

She said dignitaries, including the President, governors, service chiefs, senior government officials and veterans, are expected to participate in various activities during the celebrations.

Olaniyi explained that activities will continue on Saturday, Jan. 10, with humanitarian outreach as well as family and community events at major military barracks nationwide, including Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja, and at the Nigeria Legion Headquarter.

“On Sunday, Jan. 11, special thanksgiving and interdenominational church services would hold at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, and designated military and civilian churches across the states,” she said.

Olaniyi added that a national symposium and lecture series would take place on Monday, Jan. 12, at the National Defence College, Abuja, with the theme: “Securing Nigeria’s Future: The Armed Forces and National Development”.

According to her, the celebrations will continue on Tuesday, Jan. 13, with a gala and award night at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Olaniyi said the grand finale, marking Armed Forces Remembrance Day proper, would be held on Thursday, Jan. 15, with a national wreath-laying ceremony at the National Arcade, Abuja, and simultaneously in state capitals.

She noted that highlights of the ceremony include wreath-laying by the President, Vice-President, service chiefs and members of the diplomatic corps, a 21-gun salute, the sounding of the Last Post, a minute of silence and a parade by personnel of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and Legionnaires.

According to her, the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Week is aimed at celebrating courage, fostering national unity and honouring the sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen and serving heroes. (NAN)