The annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day is celebrated across the 36 states of Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) every January 15th.
The event usually involves laying of wreaths at the National Arcade in Abuja and various parade ground in States.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a day set aside every year to celebrate personnel of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Police who have died in the line of duty.
The event is also used to honour veterans still alive and as a medium for soliciting financial, moral and material support for the families of the fallen heroes.
Though usually celebrated on January 15, there are however usually activities lined up about a week to the day to commemorate the remembrance.
Being a former British colony, Remembrance Day was formerly celebrated on 11 November as Poppy Day in honor of the end of the First World War.
Upon the Nigerian government victory against Biafran troops on 15 January 1970, the holiday was moved off the calendar of the Commonwealth of Nations and was changed to 15 January in commemoration of the conclusion of the Nigerian Civil War that sought to tear apart the unity of Nigeria.
Nigeria was led by General Yakubu Gowon while Biafra was led by Lieutenant Colonel Chukwuemeka “Emeka” Odumegwu Ojukwu
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