Gen. Irabor Rtd: In Nigeria, The Military Veterans, Active Duty personnel, Alongside Our Heroes Who Died During All Wars Are Celebrated 15 January Of Each Year
By Century News
According to the former CDS, General Lucky Irabor Rtd, said ” In Nigeria, the military veterans and active duty personnel are celebrated alongside the Remembrance of our heroes who died during all the wars, including the Nigerian Civil War. The celebration is combined and takes place on 15 January of each year. It should be recalled that Nigerian troops formed part of the British Forces during WWI and 11 November as earlier indicated. However, owing to our independence and experience of the civil war which ended on 15 January 1970, our celebration was adjusted to coincide with this date”.
General Irabor continued by appealing during a lecture titled “Celebrating the Armed Forces of Nigeria in National Development” . The lecture held as part of the 2025 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance day. Therefore, it’s not out of place to take a brief look at the beginning of the event as a tradition. He urged prompt resolution of veterans’ protests over unpaid entitlements, warning that such demonstration may undermined military moral and discipline
He advocated passionately to improve care and rehabilitation of the wounded and retired personnel through specialized support program. Saying ” The completion and proper management of ongoing projects, such as the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder facility and the Invictus Games Initiative are essential. These efforts will not only benefit personnel but also reflect a nation’s gratitude for their sacrifices”.
Gen. Irabor also called for taking healthcare programs for the veterans seriously that the most pressing need for them is access to quality healthcare services. He stated, ” Even when monetary entitlements are paid promptly, they often fall short due to inflation and healthcare expenses”. He further explained that the current Defence Healthcare Insurance policy lacks adequate coverage for many medical conditions, exacerbating health challenges for retired personnel. He said, “A dedicated healthcare initiative tailored to the needs of veterans is vital”.
The lecture was attended by the military personnel, serving and retired.
