ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY

January 15 every year is observed as Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Nigeria.
The day is set aside by the Nigerian Government to celebrate military heroes, who served to ensure peace in the country.
In today's news analysis correspondent underscores the significance of the day vis a vis stakeholders roles in ensuring sustainable peace in the Nigerian project.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration is an annual event organized to honour members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who fought in the first and second world wars, those that have retired and the ones that are still serving in various peace keeping missions worldwide as well as those who fought in the Nigerian Civil War.
The day is also used to to celebrate both the dead and living heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces, including those who suffered various deprivations and deformities among others losses as a result of war.
The day was initially marked on the 11th of November every year to coincide with the popular "Poppy Day" or eleven eleven for the first and second world war veterans in all commonwealth countries.
However in Nigeria, some significant historical developments such as the surrender of the Biafran troops to the Nigerian troops on January 15, 1970 and brought about change in date from November 11 to January 15 every year.
The surrendering of the Brafran troops to the Nigerian troops signalled the end of the Nigerian civil war which almost tore apart the unity, peace and progress of the country.
Since that historical achievement by the Nigerian troops, the date now became a national ritual where military personnel, including the Army, Navy, Air forces, the Nigerian legion, Politicians and a cross section of  the society converge on different centers across the country to celebrate the day and give honour to the fallen and living heroes who sacrificed and still continue to sacrifice their lives to protect the lives of others.
The event which is held at the Federal, State and Local Government levels, features several activities such as the release of pigeons to symbolize peace, laying of wreaths at cenotaph of an unknown soldier, inspecting of parades, gun salute among others.
Prayers were also offered in churches and mosques to commit the peace and unity of the nation to God.
It is worthy of note that the Nigerian military has helped in dislodging Boko Haram from the Sambisa forest.
However, this achievement is not significant enough for them to rest on their oars but rather step up their efforts in combating the cattle rustling menace, fulani and herdsmen clashes, militancy in the Niger Delta Region, frequent clashes between the christian and muslems in the Northern part of the country as well as other conflict that are capable of dividing the nation.
Government for its part has roles to play in ensuring that the military succeeds in its security task by providing funds for the acquisition of modern ammunition, prompt payment of soldier's allowances among others.
In addition, the officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces should be frequently trained within and outside Nigeria.
Government should also ensure that the soldiers are properly kitted to boost their moral at the battle front.
Furthermore top ranking officers should endeavor to release benefits and entitlements to junior colleagues, especially those in the battle front, so as to help boost their moral and confidence.
Their is also the need for the Nigerian populaces, religions leaders and other stakeholders to assist the military to maintain the peace by refraining from acts and utterances that can undermine public peace in Nigeria.
Moreso, the celebration of this event should serve as a clarion call to overnment to promptly pay up allowances and entitlements of military pensioners as well as make policies that will affect the lives of families of fallen but gallant military officers and men positively.  
As Nigerians irrespective of their origins, political affiliations, tribal and religious backgrounds celebrate the day, it is important for all to join in allowing peace to prevail in the land so as to bring about growth and development to the Nigerian society.