Activities commemorating the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Week which began with a Jumaat service held on Friday,10th January,2025, followed by a Christian Inter-Denominational Thanksgiving Service held on Sunday, 12th January,2025 at the Holy Trinity Catholic church Akim Navy Barracks, Calabar came to an end today with laying of wreath at the tomb of Unknown soldiers.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Week is an annual national event held in honour of our fallen and living heroes who fought to defend the territorial integrity of our beloved nation ---Nigeria.
The Wreath Laying Ceremony is the highest point of the week long Activities in which the state Governor and other relevant stakeholders lay the remembrance wreath on the grave of the unknown soldier who paid the ultimate price for the relative peace we enjoy in Nigeria today.
The event which took place at the Cenotaph, Millennium Park, Calabar featured the Inspection of a Guard of Honour mounted by a detartchment of the Armed Forces by His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu who was ably represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, prayers for the peaceful repose of the departed heroes led by a Catholic Priest, a Muslim Imam as well as a Protestant Pastor.
Closely followed was a minute silence observed in honour of the fallen Heroes. This was followed by the laying of wreath by His Excellency the Governor, Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, the State Chief Judge, Justice Akon Ikpeme, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Command, the Commissioner for Police, Chairman Nigerian Legion, Cross River State, Come. Daniel Ojugbo, Representative of the Diplomatic Mission as well as a representative of the Widows Association.
Followed by 21 Gun Salute in honour of the fallen Heroes as well as the signing of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Register by the state Governor.
Speaking earlier in an interview with Press men, a representative of the Widows appealed to the Cross River State Government to redeem the pledges made to the families of the fallen Heroes in order to alleviate their sufferings in the prevailing harsh economy.
It was a very solemn and colourful event attended by members of the State Executive Council, Hon. members of Cross River State House of Assembly, Permanent Secretaries and state Civil Servants as well as members of the public.
Rekpene Uket
