Defence Ministry Marks 2026 Armed Forces Day, Honours Military Families
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Ministry of Defence has organized a program to honour families of serving, retired and fallen military officers as part of activities marking this year’s Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
The event took place on Saturday, 10 January 2026 at the Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.
The Family and Community Day remains an integral part of the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, reinforcing national appreciation for the Armed Forces and strengthening the bond between the military, their families, and the wider community.
Speaking at the event, the wife of the Minister of Defence , Mrs. Oghogho Lilian Christopher Musa, who was the Special Guest of Honour, remarked that Humanitarian Family and Community Day provided a veritable platform to express love, care and solidarity with the families of Nigeria’s fallen heroes and serving personnels.
She said that the event goes beyond ceremonial observances, as it is intentionally designed to recognize, 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.
While emphasizing that behind every gallant officer is a family whose strength, patience, and sacrifice contribute significantly to national security, Mrs. Musa called on 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, not only for fun and fellowship with the families of the nation’s military personnels, but 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 our 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 of War, Egg race, bouncing castles, mini-games, dancing competitions and lots more.
