By Harriet Tornguvan
The Defence Headquarters on January 10, 2026, commemorated the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day with a Golf Kitty held at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club, Yar’Adua Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja.
The event, organised as part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, brought together senior military officers and members of the golfing community in an atmosphere of camaraderie and sportsmanship, while promoting physical fitness, mental alertness and unity within the Armed Forces.
Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), described the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day as a solemn national occasion dedicated to honouring serving personnel, military veterans, wounded-in-action troops, fallen heroes and the families of those who paid the supreme price in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Minister noted that 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 reinforcing national appreciation and support for the military.
General Musa further stated that sporting activities such as golf align with the military ethos of maintaining physical fitness, mental resilience and operational readiness.
According to him, the tournament also provided a platform for social interaction, strengthening bonds and promoting esprit de corps across the Armed Forces community.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support and commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the military, and also appreciated the Chief of Defence Staff for his exemplary leadership and dedicated service to the nation.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed appreciation to officers and men of the Armed Forces for their professionalism, dedication and sacrifices in the ongoing efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s security and stability.
The CDS Highlighted the critical role of the Armed Forces in maintaining peace across the country, noting that the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day offers Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on the courage and selflessness of military personnel, past and present. He also thanked Nigerians for their continued support, stressing that security is a collective responsibility and calling for stronger civil-military cooperation and sustained national unity.
Also speaking, the Captain of the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club, Brigadier General Nicholas Ashinze, described the hosting of the Golf Kitty as a great honour to the club. He disclosed that over 100 golfers participated in the tournament and expressed gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff for his presence and support.
Highlights of the event included award presentations, prizes for outstanding golfers, presentation of souvenirs and group photographs, marking a successful sporting event held in honour of Nigeria’s serving personnel and fallen heroes.
