The Plateau State Government on Thursday, January 15, 2026, joined the rest of the country to commemorate the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day with a solemn ceremony held at the J.D. Gowon Secretariat, Jos.
Observed annually on January 15, Armed Forces Remembrance Day is dedicated to honouring officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces who paid the supreme price in the defence of Nigeria’s unity, peace and territorial integrity, as well as those wounded or permanently incapacitated in active service.
The event featured interdenominational prayers for fallen heroes and for peace in the country, followed by the laying of wreaths, a 21-gun salute, the sounding of the Last Post, and a minute of silence in honour of the departed servicemen and women. Activities later culminated in a luncheon at the Headquarters of 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos.
Speaking at the luncheon at the Rhino Officers Mess, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Ngo Josephine Piyo, described the occasion as a solemn tribute to the courage, sacrifice and resilience of Nigeria’s armed forces.
The governor said Plateau State remained proud of its long tradition of military service and acknowledged the vital role played by the armed forces in maintaining peace and security. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the military through collaboration, provision of necessary resources and strengthening civil-military relations.
Governor Mutfwang also stressed the importance of caring for veterans and their families, noting that the sacrifices of soldiers extend beyond the battlefield to their loved ones. He called for sustained support in areas such as healthcare, education and employment for retired personnel.
Earlier in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander, Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Folunsho Oyinlola, described the Remembrance Day as a moral obligation to honour fallen heroes and appreciate serving personnel.
He said the day serves as a reminder that peace is neither passive nor free, but sustained through sacrifice, professionalism and commitment. According to him, Operation Enduring Peace reflects the resolve of the armed forces to protect communities, safeguard stability and prevent conflict.
Major General Oyinlola paid tribute to veterans and families of fallen soldiers, assuring them that their sacrifices would never be forgotten. He commended the men and women under his command for their discipline, courage and dedication to duty amid evolving security challenges.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Plateau State, Colonel Adams Donzhi (rtd.), expressed gratitude to the Plateau State Government for its continued support to the Legion and veterans. He called for sustained care for widows, orphans and families of fallen heroes, urging all sectors of society to support their welfare.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for peace, unity and prosperity in Nigeria, as well as renewed calls for collective support for the nation’s armed forces and veterans.
