Chief of Defence Staff
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has appealed to Nigerians to reflect deeply on the significance of the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day and use the period to promote national unity while rejecting all forms of divisive rhetoric.
General Oluyede made the appeal in his goodwill message to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, describing the occasion as a solemn moment for collective remembrance and renewed commitment to the nation’s shared destiny.
According to the CDS, the sacrifices of Nigeria’s military personnel underscore the need to strengthen the country’s bond as one indivisible nation. He urged citizens to wear the remembrance emblem with pride, noting that it symbolises a profound debt of gratitude to fallen heroes, forebears, and the unsung men and women who continue to safeguard the nation.
“As we honour the past, celebrate our present achievements, and look to the future, we must work together towards enduring peace, stability, and prosperity for every Nigerian,” he said, while praying for the eternal repose of the souls of fallen heroes.
General Oluyede further stated that the remembrance period provides Nigerians with an opportunity to honour the courage, patriotism, and ultimate sacrifice of officers and men of the Armed Forces who laid down their lives in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He emphasized that the legacy of the fallen remains indelible in the nation’s history.
The CDS also acknowledged the resilience and strength of the families of fallen heroes, noting that their courage in the face of loss continues to inspire the Armed Forces and the nation at large.
He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending Nigeria’s unity, democracy, and national values, calling on all citizens to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of the military and recommit themselves to building a peaceful and united country.