The Defence Headquarters on Saturday, January 10, 2026, commemorated the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day with a Golf Kitty held at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club, Yar’Adua Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja.
According to the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the event, organised by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), brought together senior military officers and members of the golfing community in an atmosphere of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and reflection, while promoting physical fitness, mental alertness, and unity within the Armed Forces.
Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour and Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), described the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day as a solemn national occasion dedicated to honouring serving personnel, veterans, wounded-in-action troops, fallen heroes, and the families of those who paid the supreme price in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Minister noted that the annual commemoration serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by officers and men of the Armed Forces in safeguarding the nation’s peace, unity, and security, while reinforcing national appreciation and support for the military.
General Musa added that sporting activities such as golf align with the military ethos of maintaining physical fitness, mental resilience, and operational readiness. He said the tournament also provided an opportunity for social interaction, strengthened bonds, and promoted esprit de corps across the Armed Forces community.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support and commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the military, and also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff for his exemplary leadership and dedicated service to the nation.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed deep appreciation to officers and men of the Armed Forces for their dedication, professionalism, and sacrifices in ongoing efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s security and stability.
The CDS underscored the critical role of the Armed Forces in maintaining peace across the country, noting that the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the courage and selflessness of military personnel, past and present.
General Oluyede thanked Nigerians for their continued support of the Armed Forces, stressing that security is a collective responsibility. He called for stronger civil-military cooperation and sustained national unity to ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Captain of the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club, Brigadier General Nicholas Ashinze, described the hosting of the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026 Golf Kitty as a great honour. He disclosed that over 100 golfers participated in the tournament and thanked the Chief of Defence Staff for his presence and support.
Highlights of the event included award presentations, prizes for outstanding golfers, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs, marking a successful sporting event held in honour of Nigeria’s fallen and serving heroes.
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