The wife of the Minister of Defence, Mrs. Oghogho Lilian Christopher Musa, has said that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day goes beyond ceremonial observances, as it is intentionally designed to recognise, appreciate, and uplift the families and children of officers who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation, as well as those whose loved ones are currently deployed to the battlefront.
Mrs Musa was speaking at the Family and Community Day, an event marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, held at the Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja, today.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Defence, as part of a well-packaged programme for the families of serving, retired and fallen officers in the three Services of the Nigerian military to mark the Day.
Mrs. Musa, who was the special guest of honour at the event, remarked that Humanitarian Family and Community Day provided a profitable platform, “where we express love, care, and solidarity with the families of Nigeria’s fallen heroes and serving personnel.”
She emphasised that behind every gallant officer is a family whose strength, patience, and sacrifice contribute significantly to national security.
She urged all and sundry to see support to military families as both a moral and national obligation.
In her welcome address, the wife of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mrs. Hassana Pheelangwah, who was a special guest at the event, noted that the day was specially marked out for fun and fellowship with the families of the nation’s military personnel and, more importantly, to show heartfelt appreciation for the sacrifices, courage, and dedication of our soldiers.
Mrs Pheelangwah highlighted that the theme for the day’s event, which is “Celebrating the Strength Behind Our Soldiers,” is very important, as it reminds everyone that while the courage of the Armed Forces is visible on the battlefield, the real backbone of that courage is often hidden at home in the patience of spouses, the determination of children, and the guidance of families.
According to her, “Behind every soldier who serves the nation with courage is a spouse who patiently waits, a child who learns to cope with absence, and a family who continues to nurture and care, even under the most challenging circumstances.”
The event featured games and activities aimed at fostering unity, healing, and encouragement among military families such as Family Honour Parade, Tug-o’-War, egg race, bouncing castles, mini-games, dancing competitions and lots more.
The Ministry of Defence said in a press statement that the Family and Community Day remains an integral part of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, reinforcing national appreciation for the Armed Forces and strengthening the bond between the military, their families, and the wider community.
