2021 Armed Forces Remebrance Day: Gov Fintiri Lays Wreath to Honour Fallen Heroes

By Barnabas Augustine

15/01/2021

To mark the end of 2021 Armed Forces week-long activities for emblem appeal, Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has laid wreath for the fallen Heroes at Mahmudu Ribadu Square  in the State capital, Yola.

The event is marked annually, 15 January after series of activities to honour the fallen heroes who fought for the country to remain indivisible and united.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri who was at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day inspected guard mounted by the men of armed forces commands in the state and the men of the Nigeria Legion Adamawa State Chapter.

The Governor led the laying of the wreath to honour the fallen heroes.

It was followed by the Speaker Adamawa House of Assenbly Hon Aminu Iya Abbas represented by his Deputy Hon. P. M. Makwando; Chief Judge of the State Justice Ishaya Kida Banu represented by Justice Peter Wajilda and the Lamido Adamawa HRH Muhammadu Barkindo represented by Galadima Adamawa Alh. Mustapha Aminu.

Others are Brigade Commander 23 Armoured Brigade Major. Gen. Sani Mohammed; Representative Commissioner of Police DCP Moris Fallins Dankwambo; Chairman Adamawa Legion Master Warrant Officer Bashir Babayola (rtd) and the Chairperson Widows Association Adamawa, Rahama Minus.

Prayer for the fallen heroes was said by the  Chaplain Protestant 153 Service Base Group Nigeria Air force Flying Officer PM Emeali, Chaplain Catholic 23 Armoured Brigade Major C. V. Obidike and Imam 153 Service Base Group Flying Officer  Ibrahim Danladi.

Highlight of the event was a minute silent for the fallen heroes, release of pigeons which signifies peace and unity in Nigeria and 3 gun salute.

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD), is observed to commemorate the servicemen of the Nigerian Armed Forces and honour veterans of the World War I and II as well as the Nigerian Civil War. 

Being a former British colony, Remembrance Day was formerly celebrated on 11 November as Poppy Day in honor of the end of the First World War. 

Upon the government victory, against Biafran troops on 15 January 1970, the holiday was moved off the calendar of the Commonwealth of Nations and was changed to 15 January in commemoration of the conclusion of the Nigerian Civil War that sought to tear apart the unity of Nigeria.