President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja reminded Nigerians of the need to guard jealously the unity of the nation which was won at great cost.
Buhari made the call when he presided over the wreath-laying at the National Memorial Arcade to mark the end of the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC).
The event marked the climax of the 2021 AFRDC which started with the inauguration of the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem and Appeal Fund where the president appealed to Nigerians to desist from actions and comments that could jeopardise the unity and progress of the nation.
Buhari, who arrived at the venue of the event at about 10.02 am, led Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the leadership of the National Assembly, and the Judiciary as well as Ministers and Service Chiefs to lay a wreath at the Arcade.
On arrival, Buhari, in the company of the parade commander inspected the parade by the Army, Navy, Airport and the Nigerian Legion.
Special prayers were offered by both Christian and Muslim military clerics for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes.
The event also witnessed the bagel of the last, a unique but symbolic aspect of the ceremony, that reminds veterans of their departed colleagues and the families of the fallen heroes who had paid the supreme price.
It was observed that after the one-minute silence for the fallen heroes, Buhari, Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamiala laid wreaths at the tomb of the unknown soldiers.
This was followed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Muhammed Adamu; Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muhammed Bello among others.
