Photo caption: Shettima, Akpabio, others release pigeons at Armed Forces Remembrance Day
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday led top government officials in releasing pigeons at the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony, in a symbolic gesture representing Nigeria’s commitment to peace, unity, and freedom.
The Vice President was joined by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; and other dignitaries at the solemn event in a video shared by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha on Thursday.
The pigeons, released as part of the traditional ceremony, immediately flew away in what observers described as a remarkable display symbolising the values for which Nigeria’s fallen heroes made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed annually on January 15 to honour members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who paid the supreme price in the line of duty, particularly those who fought in various conflicts, including the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping missions, and the ongoing fight against insurgency and terrorism.
