The Federal Government (FG) hosted the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Gala & Award Night, celebrating the gallantry and selflessness of Nigeria’s military personnel.
The event held yesterday at the State House Conference Center Abuja, served as a precursor to the national wreath-laying ceremony.
It brought together top government officials, service chiefs, and veterans to honour those who have dedicated their lives to national security.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the event, emphasised that a nation’s progress is intrinsically tied to its ability to appreciate its protectors.
READ ALSO: FG targets $1tn GDP with EU-backed reforms
“No nation can progress without a strong sense of appreciation for the heroes who toil day and night to keep our communities and us safe,” Idris remarked. “Your sacrifices on our behalf will never be in vain.”
The night featured the presentation of several prestigious awards to senior officers and soldiers who distinguished themselves in various theatres of operation.
The organisers honoured several distinguished individuals at the event.
The Service and Sacrifice Award was conferred on the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, in recognition of his decisive leadership in counter-insurgency operations.
A Legacy Award was presented to former Army Chief and diplomat Tukur Buratai for his long-standing reforms of Nigeria’s military architecture.
In addition, the Gallantry Award was posthumously bestowed on Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba for his exceptional courage in leading troops from the front in Borno State, while the Innovation Award went to Col. Ibrahim Mohammed-Gero for developing a redesigned ballistic gunboat for maritime operations.
Beyond the awards, the FG utilised the gala to announce two new digital initiatives aimed at fostering a deeper connection between the military and the public.
A digital platform for citizens to post messages of appreciation to serving troops and veterans and a social media initiative designed to tell the personal stories of resilience and sacrifice from military families.
The Gala Night marks the penultimate event of the week-long remembrance activities.
READ ALSO: FG launches youth help desk WhatsApp AI chatbot
The celebrations will reach a climax on Thursday with the National Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the National Arcade, Abuja.
Tinubu is expected to lead the symbolic release of white pigeons and the laying of wreaths in memory of fallen heroes, a tradition that remains the “permanent national duty” of the Nigerian state.
