President Bola Tinubu has called on the Nigerian military to uphold the core values of discipline, loyalty, and unity, describing the Armed Forces as the enduring symbol of Nigeria’s strength and the guardians of the nation’s democracy.
Speaking through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Gala and Award Night, the President reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting the military in ensuring lasting peace and stability nationwide.
“As your Commander-in-Chief, I charge you to remain true to the values of discipline, loyalty, and unity that define you as service personnel. In a diverse nation such as ours, you remain the enduring symbol of our shared strength,” President Tinubu said.
He also urged the military to remain loyal to the Constitution and to play their role as guardians of unity with the same dedication as they do in defending Nigeria’s borders.
“I urge you to remain loyal to our Constitution and our democracy. Your role as guardians of our unity is as vital as your role as defenders of our borders, for our strength as a nation lies in our unity,” Tinubu added.
The President emphasised that the welfare of troops is directly linked to national security and assured personnel of improved equipment, enhanced training, and better living conditions.
“Your welfare is inseparable from national security,” he said, pledging continued support to the military as a means of bolstering their operational capabilities.
He further assured the personnel that his government would continue to match their sacrifices with concrete support and resources.
While paying tribute to fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the country, President Tinubu emphasised that their names live on not only in monuments but also in the hearts of every Nigerian.
“Your names are etched not only on monuments but in the hearts of Nigerians,” the President said.
He stressed that remembrance of the fallen soldiers is a permanent national duty and should not be treated as a mere ceremonial exercise.
The President also acknowledged the sacrifices of military families, describing their support as a vital pillar of national defense.
In recognition of the contributions of the armed forces, President Tinubu announced the approval of two nationwide engagement initiatives, “Thank-A-Soldier Electronic Wall” and “My Nigerian Hero Campaign”.
These initiatives are designed to provide Nigerians with platforms to express appreciation and honor the service personnel and veterans for their dedication and service to the country.
While highlighting the progress made under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the President assured Nigerians that the government would not relent until every citizen could live and work in safety and dignity.
The event featured the presentation of various awards to deserving serving and retired military personnel. Among the awardees were:
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu
Former Army Chief, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai
Former Army Spokesperson, retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman
These individuals were recognised for their exceptional service to the country and their significant contributions to the military’s successes.