The Ndigbo Youth Parliament (NYP) has joined the nation in paying tribute to the courageous officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces on the solemn occasion of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day. This annual commemoration serves as a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have defended the nation’s sovereignty and protected its citizens.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Speaker of the Parliament, Rt. Hon. Rikki Chinedu Nwajiofor, the NYP expressed deep appreciation for the selfless service of Nigeria’s military personnel, both past and present. Hon. Nwajiofor emphasized the unmatched dedication of the armed forces, who often face personal and physical challenges to ensure the safety and unity of the country.
“As we remember the sacrifices of those who paid the ultimate price to defend our nation’s sovereignty and to protect our lives cum properties, we also celebrate the resilience and commitment of the officers currently serving to ensure the safety and security of our dear country and citizens”, he said.
The NYP expressed unwavering commitment in advocating for the welfare of all Nigerians, and urged the government to prioritize the welfare of active and retired military personnel through measures such as improved remuneration, timely pensions, quality healthcare, and educational scholarships for their children. The complete press text reads;
“On behalf of the entire members of Ndigbo Youth Parliament (NYP), I join the nation in honouring the sacrifices of our brave officers on this solemn occasion of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day. This day is a poignant reminder of the selfless service, dedication, and courage displayed by our gallant men and women in uniform, both past and present.
“As we remember the sacrifices of those who paid the ultimate price to defend our nation’s sovereignty and to protect our lives cum properties, we also celebrate the resilience and commitment of the officers currently serving to ensure the safety and security of our dear country and citizens. They are often separated from their families and friends so that we can be united with ours. They spend sleepless nights and endure gunshot wounds so that we can sleep with our eyes shut. They lay down their lives so that we can enjoy ours.
“‘An epitaph on a soldier’s grave reads:
I did my duty,
I paid the supreme price,
I pray you’ll remember,
My sacrifice.
My life was short,
I did my best.
God grant me peace,
In my eternal rest’.
“Ndigbo Youth Parliament recognizes the critical role of the Armed Forces in maintaining national unity and peace. We believe it is imperative to prioritize their welfare, as well as that of the families of our fallen heroes. We, therefore, call on the government and relevant authorities to ensure better remuneration packages for officers in active service, improved retirement benefits with access to free health care for the retirees, and adequate support for the families of deceased officers.
“Suffice it to say that this support must go beyond symbolic gestures to encompass comprehensive measures such as improved salaries, timely payment of pensions and gratuities, quality healthcare, educational scholarships for their children, and enhanced living conditions. By doing so, we can demonstrate genuine gratitude for their sacrifices and inspire confidence in our Armed Forces.
“Ndigbo Youth Parliament reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advocating for the welfare of all Nigerians, particularly those who have served our nation with honour and valour.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the gallant officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces and stand united in honouring their sacrifices today and always. Indeed, the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain!
“God bless our Gallant Officers!
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!”