The Defence Headquarters on Saturday commemorated the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day with a Golf Kitty held at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club, Yar’Adua Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja.
The event, organised by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), brought together senior military officers and members of the golfing community in an atmosphere of camaraderie, sportsmanship and unity, as part of activities honouring serving personnel, veterans and fallen heroes of the Nigerian military.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Defence and Special Guest of Honour, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), described the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day as a solemn national occasion dedicated to honouring wounded-in-action personnel, fallen heroes and families of officers and men who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He said the annual commemoration serves as a reminder of the courage, dedication and sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces in safeguarding the nation’s peace, unity and security, while reinforcing national appreciation and support for the military.
General Musa noted that sporting activities such as golf align with the military ethos of maintaining physical fitness, mental resilience and operational readiness. According to him, the tournament also provided an avenue for social interaction, strengthening bonds and promoting esprit de corps across the Armed Forces.
The Defence Minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support and commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the military, while also praising the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) for his exemplary leadership and dedicated service to the nation.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed appreciation to officers and men of the Armed Forces for their professionalism, dedication and sacrifices in the ongoing efforts to secure the country.
General Oluyede highlighted the critical role of the Armed Forces in maintaining peace nationwide, added that the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day provided an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the bravery and selflessness of military personnel, past and present.
He thanked Nigerians for their continued support of the Armed Forces and stressed that security remained a collective responsibility, called for stronger civil-military cooperation and sustained national unity to ensure a safer Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Captain of the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Brigadier General Nicholas Ashinze, described hosting the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Golf Kitty as a great honour. He disclosed that over 100 golfers participated in the tournament and expressed gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff for his presence and support.
Highlights of the event included presentation of awards and prizes to outstanding golfers, souvenir presentations and group photographs, marking a successful sporting event held in honour of Nigeria’s fallen and serving heroes.
