The Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD), also simply known as Remembrance Day, is observed on 15 January to commemorate the servicemen of the Nigerian Armed Forces. It also honors veterans of the World War I and II as well as the Nigerian Civil War. In 2024, the name was changed to "Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day". This is to celebrate members of the Armed Forces still serving and remember the fallen heroes thus correcting the notion that the day is meant mainly for the fallen heroes. 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 government victory, against Biafran troops on 15 January 1970, "the day, the instrument of surrender[1] was handed over to Olusegun Obasanjo by Philip Effiong of the Biafran army", hence, 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.[2]
- ^ "Text of Biafran Surrender". The New York Times. 1970-01-16. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
- ^ Juliana Taiwo "This Day" Beyond Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration[permanent dead link]