Tinubu urges Nigerians to embrace peace, foster unity

Yesterday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reiterated his appeal for peace and unity as his government works to address urgent political and socioeconomic issues.

According to him, only on the basis of peace and unity can the foundations of progress be built.

The president also urged Nigerians to avoid violence and polarizing behaviors, which stand in the way of the country’s development into a successful and peaceful one.

Nigerians should become ambassadors of peace, President Tinubu, who is in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) for this year’s “Sustainability Week,” said in his message on Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

He emphasized that working together would open the door to a hopeful and optimistic future.

The 36 states of the federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) hosted solemn events to honor personnel of the armed forces who gave their lives in defense of Nigerian sovereignty.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who served as the President’s honorary guest, laid wreaths at the National Arcade across from Eagle Square in Abuja alongside Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Nigerian Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Minister of Defense Abubakar Badaru, and Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Christopher Musa.

In a post on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, President Tinubu reminded Nigerians of the ultimate sacrifices made by the nation’s former service members and emphasized the need of maintaining peace on a national and international level.

According to him, the commemoration event provided a chance to consider the military’s coordinated efforts to protect the nation’s territorial integrity in addition to expressing thanks.

He urged a fresh commitment to the principles that the Armed Forces stood for and praised the personnel for their patriotism.

President Tinubu posted on Twitter: “We may show our appreciation and honor our former service members who gave their lives to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria and other countries on Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Peace is desperately needed in the world and in our country.

As we commemorate this sad day today, keep in mind that many people have sacrificed their lives—and continue to do so—to ensure that we can live in peace with one another.

For a peaceful and flourishing country, let us therefore avoid violence and polarizing tendencies. All of us should become peace ambassadors.

“With each other, we can create a bright future where harmony and peace are paramount.”

The service, which began in Abuja at 10.07 am, included prayers for the nation and the slain heroes’ surviving families as well as a minute of silence in remembrance of them.

Additional dignitaries who laid wreaths included Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and Minister of State for Defense Bello Matawale.

Wreaths were also laid by Maj Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril, the chairman of the Nigerian Legion; Mrs. Olubunmi Okiti, the representative of the Military Widows Association; and Salaheddine Abbas Ibrahima, the cameroonian ambassador to Nigeria and dean of the Diplomatic Corps.

Following the wreath-laying ceremony, three volleys were fired, and the vice president signed the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Anniversary Register before releasing pigeons into the air.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSoF), Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari, and Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim were among the other dignitaries present.

The sacrifices made by the dead heroes should not be forgotten, Badaru told reporters, adding that they paid the ultimate price for protecting the nation.

He promised active military personnel that their sacrifices would always be remembered and emphasized the value of togetherness.

President Tinubu was thanked by Major Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril (rtd), the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, for signing the Revised Terms and Conditions of Service for officers and personnel in the Nigerian Armed Forces.

According to him, the updated terms and conditions will improve the wellbeing of active and retired military members.

Better welfare, he said, will eventually encourage soldiers to put their best effort into protecting the nation.

“This is a great indication to them that Nigerians will remember them and will continue to support them despite their service and sacrifices,” he said.

But Jibrin asserted that there’s always space for development.

He emphasized how the Nigerian Legion coordinates activities to guarantee the well-being of retired military men.

“The Minister of Defense, through the Nigerian Legion, makes any official statements regarding the general well-being of retired members of the Armed Forces,” he stated. Every other sound, whether from left or right, is merely a show.

The Federal Government and Nigerians have been hailed by Mrs. Bunmi Okiti, National President of the Military Widows Association (MIWA), for continuously remembering the sacrifices made by dead heroes.

Remembrance Day, according to her, is a time to honor the memory of departed loved ones and provide assistance to their families.

On the subject of widows’ rights, Okiti recognized that her association was still working to help widows deal with the bureaucratic system.

“Anyone who has trouble receiving their entitlements, we forward the paper, go to the authority to find out, and ensure the process moves along,” she stated.

The resolution of unresolved life insurance claims for Army officers was another demand made by Mrs. Okiti.