Adedokun Waliyu 
President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday led other senior members of the government to the National Arcade in Abuja to participate in the Wreath Laying Ceremony, marking the climax of 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.
The event, which honours the memory of the nation’s fallen heroes, is marked across with activities, including religious services, parades and the wreath laying ceremonies.
The President, who arrived at the National Arcade at 10:05 am, was immediately ushered onto the saluting dais for the National Salute.
He also inspected the Guards of Honour, accompanied by the Commander, Brigade of Guards, Major General Muhammad Takuti Usman, after which he proceeded to the Cenotaph for the Wreath Laying Ceremony.
Other dignitaries that laid wreaths after President Buhari’s turn were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Senate President Ahmed Lawan; Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Others who laid wreaths were the pair of the Ministers of Defense and that of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Major General Bashir Magashi and Mallam Muhammed Musa Bello, respectively; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor and the service chiefs and well as the Inspector-General General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba; representatives of members of the Diplomatic Corps; and the pair of the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion and a widow of a fallen officer.
The President also performed the symbolic freeing of white doves out of cage during the event
The 2023 wreath laying ceremony will be President Buhari’s last as Commander-in-Chief.
Also in attendance were members of the Federal Executive Council, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha; the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd), other ministers; Permanent Secretaries; amongst others.
