The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that January 15 should officially be referred to as Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, and not Armed Forces Remembrance Day, urged the media to adopt the correct nomenclature in all future reports.
The clarification was contained in a press release signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, who explained that January 15 is set aside annually by the Federal Government to honour serving personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria while also commemorating officers and men who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation’s territorial integrity and the protection of lives and property.
According to the statement, the annual observance is preceded by a week-long programme of activities, culminating in a grand parade and wreath-laying ceremony on January 15.
Major General Uba noted that the event was formerly known as Armed Forces Remembrance Day but was officially renamed Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day to better capture the dual essence of the occasion celebrating the courage, professionalism and commitment of serving personnel, while remembering fallen heroes.
Defence Headquarters therefore appealed to members of the fourth estate of the realm to consistently use the approved title in all media coverage.
The statement also expressed appreciation to the media for its unwavering support of the Armed Forces in the fight against insecurity, while calling for even stronger collaboration in the future.
