Families of Nigeria’s fallen military heroes and war veterans marked the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day with renewed calls for better welfare. Despite years of promises, many widows and veterans lamented neglect and unfulfilled commitments by federal and state governments.
At a solemn ceremony in Lagos, Mrs. Oluwaseyi Iliya, a widow representing the “Wives of Fallen Heroes” group, expressed her frustration. “Since we’ve been celebrating this day, we’ve seen no direct impact from the Lagos State government,” she said. According to Iliya, a 2024 initiative offered foodstuffs and basic items to only ten widows, but no sustained efforts followed.
“Most of our husbands died in the North-East while serving this country, yet their families have been abandoned,” she added, stressing that many widows struggle to provide for their children amid economic challenges.
Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, in response, encouraged citizens to support families of fallen heroes. “Nigerians can take responsibility for educating and training these children,” he said.
Veterans Speak Out: A Life of Sacrifice, Neglect
Col. Nasiru Salami, a 76-year-old civil war veteran, described his struggles as a retired soldier. Deployed six weeks after training in 1967, he served on the Biafra front, suffering a severe injury that left him with lifelong challenges. Now Secretary of the Nigerian Legion in Lagos, Salami revealed that over 24,000 members are yet to receive war bonuses promised over 50 years ago.
“For now, I will never recommend any of my children to join the Nigerian Army,” Salami stated. He noted that retired personnel often face unpaid pensions and poor treatment, urging the government to fulfill its obligations.
Peter Obi, CISLAC Demand Welfare Reforms
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi emphasized the need for better welfare policies for military personnel. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Obi called for access to quality healthcare, education, and timely pensions for military families.
“These measures will inspire greater commitment to building a safer Nigeria,” he said, while commending the armed forces’ sacrifices.
Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) also urged the government to adopt sustainable support systems for widows and children of fallen servicemen. “Their sacrifices must not go unrecognized,” said CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, advocating scholarships and empowerment programs for affected families.
Wreath-Laying Ceremony: Honoring the Fallen
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, led a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Arcade in Abuja. The event marked the culmination of activities to honor soldiers who died in service during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, and peacekeeping missions.
Key dignitaries included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Defense Minister Abubakar Badaru, and Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Christopher Musa. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed annually on January 15, also commemorates the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970.
