President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday renewed his call for unity and peace as his administration continues to tackle pressing political and socio-economic challenges.

He said the foundations of development can only be erected on the pillars of unity and peace.

The president also enjoined Nigerians to eschew violence and divisive tendencies, which are clogs in the realisation of a prosperous and harmonious nation.

In his message on the occasion of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, President Tinubu, who is in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) for this year’s ‘Sustainability Week,’ urged Nigerians to become ambassadors of peace.

He stressed that collective efforts would pave the way for a future filled with hope and optimism.

The solemn occasions to honour members of the Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in defence of Nigerian sovereignty took place in 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President as the guest of honour; Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru and Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa laid wreaths at the National Arcade, opposite Eagle Square, Abuja.

In a message he posted on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, President Tinubu emphasised the need for national and global peace, reminding Nigerians of the ultimate sacrifices made by the country’s ex-servicemen and women.

He said the commemorative event not only offered an opportunity to express gratitude but also to reflect on the concerted efforts by the military to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity.

Hailing the members of the Armed Forces for their patriotism, he called for renewed dedication to the ideals for which they stood.

President Tinubu tweeted: “The Armed Forces Remembrance Day allows us to express our gratitude and pay tribute to our ex-servicemen and women who selflessly sacrificed their lives to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria and other nations.

“Our nation is in dire need of peace, and so is the World.

“As we mark this solemn event today, remember that people laid down their lives, and many still do so to guarantee our peaceful co-existence.

“Therefore, let us eschew violence and divisive tendencies for a peaceful and prosperous nation. Let us all become ambassadors of peace.

“We can build a future of hope and optimism together, where peace and unity reign supreme.”

At the ceremony, which kicked off at 10.07 am in Abuja, a minute of silence was observed in memory of the fallen heroes and prayers were offered for their surviving families and the nation.

Other leaders who laid wreaths were the Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawale, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Cameroonian Ambassador to Nigeria, Salaheddine Abbas Ibrahima; Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Maj Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril; and the representative of the Military Widows Association, Mrs Olubunmi Okiti, also laid wreaths.

The wreath-laying ceremony was followed by the firing of three volleys, after which the vice president signed the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Anniversary Register and released pigeons into the air.

Other dignitaries at the event were Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSoF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari, and the Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim.

Badaru, who spoke with reporters, said the sacrifices of the fallen heroes should not be forgotten, noting that they paid the supreme price while guarding the country.

He emphasised the importance of unity and assured serving members of the Armed Forces that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.

Legion lauds govt over improved welfare

The Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Major Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril (rtd), commended President Tinubu for the signing of the Revised Terms and Conditions of Service for officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces

He said the revised terms and conditions would enhance the welfare of both serving and retired military personnel.

According to him, improved welfare would ultimately boost the morale of troops to give their all in defending the country.

He said: “This is an excellent signal to them that even after service and sacrifices, Nigerians will not forget them; they’ll continue to support them.”

Jibrin, however, said there is always room for improvement.

He highlighted the role of the Nigerian Legion in coordinating efforts to ensure the welfare of retired military personnel.

He said: “Any official statement relating to the general welfare of retired members of the Armed Forces comes through the Minister of Defense via the Nigerian Legion. Any other noise, left and right, is just a drama.”

National President of the Military Widows Association (MIWA), Mrs. Bunmi Okiti, commended the Federal Government and Nigerians for consistently honouring the sacrifices of fallen heroes.

She described the Remembrance Day as a time to honour the memories of lost loved ones and extend support to their families.

On the issue of widows’ entitlements, Okiti acknowledged ongoing efforts by her association to assist widows in navigating bureaucratic processes.

She said: “Anyone with problems in getting their entitlements, we push the paper forward, go to the authority to find out, and ensure the process moves along.”

Mrs. Okiti also called for the settlement of outstanding life insurance claims for Army officers.