By Peter Dansu The call for a national holiday in honour of Nigeria’s military heroes gained fresh momentum today as Hon Sesi Oluwaseun Whi...
By Peter Dansu
The call for a national holiday in honour of Nigeria’s military heroes gained fresh momentum today as Hon Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, Member of the House of Representatives for Badagry Federal Constituency, urged the Federal Government to officially declare January 15 a National Public Holiday.
Hon Whingan made the appeal during plenary while moving a motion titled “Urgent Need to Declare January 15 as a National Holiday in Honour and Celebration of the Nigerian Armed Forces.”
Speaking on the floor of the House, he highlighted the courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces, noting that for decades, military personnel have stood firm in defending the nation’s sovereignty, fighting internal and external threats and contributing to peace missions across the world.
He reminded lawmakers and Nigerians that January 15 is already observed as Armed Forces Remembrance Day, marking the end of the civil war in 1970. According to him, the date carries deep historic and emotional significance, as it honours fallen heroes, celebrates serving officers and recognises veterans who have dedicated their lives to the country. Despite this, the day has never been recognised as a national public holiday.
Hon Whingan argued that making January 15 a public holiday would help institutionalise remembrance and create a shared culture of honouring the military. He added that many countries, including the United States, Ghana, India, Kenya, South Africa and the United Kingdom, already set aside national holidays to honour their armed forces and fallen soldiers.
He expressed concern that the absence of a public holiday limits citizens’ participation in remembrance activities and weakens public awareness of military history, especially among young people. According to him, recognising the day formally would strengthen patriotism, support veterans’ wellbeing and reinforce national unity.
The lawmaker stressed that at a time when the military continues to confront terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges, a national holiday would help boost morale and show collective appreciation for their sacrifices.
He added that the proposal aligns with the spirit of the Nigerian Constitution, which places security and welfare at the core of governance.
Following the debate, the House resolved to urge the Federal Government to declare January 15 a National Public Holiday in honour of the Nigerian Armed Forces. It also directed the Committees on Defence, Interior and Legislative Compliance to liaise with the Ministry of Interior and other relevant bodies to ensure effective and timely implementation.
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