Activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration on Thursday climaxed in Delta State with a solemn assembly that culminated in the laying of wreaths at the ceremonial Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Cenotaph in Asaba.
The ceremony was attended by the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Chief Judge of the State, Justice Tessy Diai; Service Commanders of the Armed Forces; and the Commissioner of Police in the State.
Also in attendance were the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu; Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and Orodje of Okpe, HRM Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.); members of the Nigerian Legion, and other top government functionaries.
Upon his arrival, Governor Oborevwori, who was the Special Guest of Honour, was received with a traditional military salute and thereafter inspected a guard of honour mounted by officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigerian Legion. The parade showcased a stirring display of discipline, honour and national unity.
A minute of silence was observed in honour of the fallen heroes, followed by interfaith prayers offered by Christian and Muslim clerics for the repose of the souls of the departed heroes, the welfare of their families and veterans, and divine guidance for the nation’s leadership.
After the prayers, Governor Oborevwori led the Service Commanders, the Commissioner of Police, representatives of traditional rulers, legionnaires and other dignitaries in the solemn laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Highlights of the ceremony included the firing of volleys and the symbolic release of white pigeons by the Governor, signifying peace, hope and renewal, while reaffirming Delta State’s commitment to the ideals for which Nigeria’s heroes fought and paid the supreme sacrifice.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day remains a solemn national observance, reminding Nigerians of the cost of freedom and the shared responsibility to sustain peace, unity and patriotism for generations to come.
It would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, launched the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal Fund in honour of Nigeria’s fallen heroes, wounded veterans and serving troops on the frontline of duty.
