Today is Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Nigeria, and if we’re being honest, I bet not many people remembered.
I wish it were a National Public Holiday. Now, before you roll your eyes and think I’m just looking for an excuse to skip work, no.
That’s not it.
I believe it’s worth it. We live in a nation that often gives priority to frivolities, while neglecting to immortalize men who laid down their lives for this country. Men who left behind wives and children, many of whom are still not cared for. Men whose names remain unknown to most of us.
Once upon a time, Nigeria observed this day on November 11, just like other countries in the Commonwealth, marking the end of World War I. But after the formal end of the Nigerian Civil War, following the surrender of the Biafran secessionists on January 15, 1970, the date was changed. It became a symbolic day to mark the restoration of unity in our country.
In other parts of the world, this kind of day isn’t treated casually.
In the United States and some allied nations, November 11 was originally known as Armistice Day. In 1954, after the Korean War, it was renamed Veterans Day to honor all who had served. It’s observed with memorial ceremonies, salutes at military cemeteries, parades and yes, it’s a public holiday.
In Canada, it’s also observed on the same day and recognized as a holiday. In the United Kingdom, it may not be a public holiday, but it’s a deeply notable event. The British Legion distributes over 40 million poppies from late October until Armistice Day. People wear them in honor of those who served, and at the 11th hour on November 11, the nation holds a two-minute silence. In France and Belgium, it’s an annual tradition to honor their fallen heroes with ceremonies of dignity and respect.
The point is this: developed nations aren’t run by people with “extra compartments in their brain box” they simply choose to do things right. They understand the value of setting aside a day to remember patriots whose blood, in some way, became the atonement for their nation. If countries like the United States can ensure such days are national holidays, nothing stops us from doing the same.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Nigeria, January 15 is not just another date on the calendar. It’s a day to honor our heroes: those who died in World War I, World War II, the Nigerian Civil War, and other military operations. It’s also for the veterans still living, and those still serving today.
So, here’s my plea:
Let us remember.
Let us honor.
Let us never forget.
Born as Titilayo Oladimeji, I have been known by the nickname Titipetral for nearly two decades. I am a Financial Advisor at a reputable financial institution in Lagos, Nigeria, with over 10 years of experience in Financial Advisory and Credit Analysis. I am also an author and the founder of Titipetral Publishers, a duly registered publishing company.
In addition, I lead the Titipetral Empowerment and Development Network (TEDN), a duly registered philanthropic initiative dedicated to supporting underprivileged girls, boys, women, and men in the Alimosho area, Nigeria’s most populated local government, focusing on serving the underserved.
For inquiries or collaboration, you can reach me at Titilayooladimeji@titipetral.com or titipetral@gmail.com.