Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday, represented President Bola Tinubu as the Special Guest of Honour at the National Arcade in Abuja for the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Parade. This annual event, organized by the Ministry of Defence, honors the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, Peace Support Operations globally, and various Internal Security Operations.

The celebration, observed on January 15, marks the end of the Nigerian Civil War and serves as a commemoration of the country’s military history. Previously held on November 11 alongside other Commonwealth nations, the event was moved to January 15 to specifically honor Nigeria’s military contributions.

As President Tinubu is currently in the United Arab Emirates for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, Vice President Shettima took the lead, accompanied by the Commander of the Guards Brigade. Tinubu had departed Abuja last Saturday for the summit, which seeks to advance sustainable development and socioeconomic progress globally. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, invited Tinubu to the summit, running from January 12 to January 18.

Dignitaries attending the Remembrance Day ceremony included the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; Service Chiefs; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas (represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu); Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, as well as members of the diplomatic corps.

In a symbolic gesture, Vice President Shettima released white pigeons in commemoration of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, further honoring the sacrifices made by Nigeria’s military.