Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026: Gov. Alia, Deputy, Others Honour Fallen Heroes. By Raymond Enoch
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Chief Hyacinth Alia, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, led top government functionaries and stakeholders to honour Nigeria’s fallen and living heroes as part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
The governor was joined by his deputy, Barr. Sam Ode; members of the State Executive Council; the Benue State House of Assembly; senior judicial officers; traditional rulers; service chiefs; and other dignitaries at the solemn ceremony held at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Square, Makurdi.
The highlight of the event was the laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Governor Alia led the wreath-laying, followed by Deputy Governor Sam Ode and the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, QS Berger Alfred Emberga. Traditional rulers, including the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, Dr. John Elaigwu Odogbo, also laid wreaths, alongside representatives of the Nigerian Legion and other uniformed services.
The governor thereafter signed the anniversary register.
Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, Governor Alia commended officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives and property. He underscored the importance of Nigeria’s unity, noting that the sacrifices of fallen heroes must continue to inspire national cohesion and patriotism.
He also paid tribute to personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty, while expressing appreciation to the Armed Forces for their continued service to the nation. The governor called for sustained support—financial, moral and material—for families of fallen heroes and veterans.
As part of the ceremony,
Governor Alia inspected the Guard of Honour, while Christian and Muslim clerics offered special prayers for the Armed Forces and the peace of the state and the nation. A 21-gun salute and the release of pigeons, symbolising peace, formed major highlights of the event.
Activities to mark the celebration commenced earlier with Jumat prayers at the Central Mosque and an interdenominational Christian service held at Deeper Life Full Gospel Bible Church, High Level, Makurdi.
Formerly known as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, the event was renamed Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day to also recognise and honour serving military personnel. It is observed globally to appreciate the sacrifices made by citizens in the cause of peace.
In Nigeria, January 15 is set aside annually to honour fallen heroes of the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping missions, and various internal security operations. The occasion also serves to recognise living veterans and mobilise support for the families of deceased service personnel.
Dignitaries at the event included members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, party leaders, members of the Military Widows Association, the Officers’ Wives Association, and other stakeholders. The programme also featured a free medical outreach for the public and refreshments for attendees.
