Defence Headquarters marks Armed Forces Remembrance Day with golf tournament
By Matthew Eloyi
The Defence Headquarters on Saturday marked the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day with a golf tournament held at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club, Yar’Adua Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja.
The event, tagged a Golf Kitty, brought together senior military officers and members of the golfing community in a show of camaraderie and sportsmanship, as part of activities to honour serving personnel, veterans, wounded soldiers and fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), said the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day remains a solemn national occasion dedicated to those who have served and those who paid the supreme price in the defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to him, 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 also reinforcing national appreciation and support for the military.
General Musa noted that sporting activities such as golf align with the military ethos of physical fitness, mental resilience and operational readiness. He said the tournament also created an opportunity for personnel to interact socially, strengthen bonds and promote esprit de corps across the Armed Forces.
The minister also 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 praised the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) for his leadership and dedication to national service.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed appreciation to officers and men of the Armed Forces for their professionalism, dedication and sacrifice in the ongoing efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s security and stability.
He said the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day offers Nigerians the opportunity to reflect on the courage and selflessness of military personnel, past and present, while also calling on citizens to continue supporting the Armed Forces.
General Oluyede stressed that security is a collective responsibility and urged stronger civil-military cooperation and sustained national unity to ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Captain of the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Brigadier General Nicholas Ashinze, described the hosting of the Golf Kitty as a great honour to the club, revealing that over 100 golfers participated in the tournament.
He thanked the Chief of Defence Staff for his presence and support, which he said added prestige to the event.
The highlights of the day included award presentations, prizes for outstanding golfers, presentation of souvenirs and group photographs, as participants celebrated a successful sporting event in honour of Nigeria’s fallen and serving heroes.