By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) on Saturday, 10 January 2026, organized a Golf Kitty at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club, Yar’Adua Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja, as part of activities marking the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026.
The event brought together senior military officers and members of the golfing community in an atmosphere of camaraderie and sportsmanship, while also promoting physical fitness, mental alertness, and unity within the Armed Forces.
Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour and Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), emphasized that the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is 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 the 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 also 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 an opportunity for personnel to interact socially, strengthen bonds and promote esprit de corps across the Armed Forces community.
General Musa appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support and commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the military, while also expressing appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff for his exemplary leadership and dedicated service to the nation.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed deep appreciation to officers and men of the Armed Forces for their unwavering dedication, professionalism and sacrifice 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 and stressed that the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the courage and selflessness of military personnel, past and present.
General Oluyede also thanked Nigerians for their continued support of the Armed Forces, emphasizing that security is a collective responsibility. He called for stronger civil-military cooperation and sustained national unity to ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, the Captain of the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Brigadier General Nicholas Ashinze, described the hosting of the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026 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 in honour of Nigeria’s fallen and serving heroes.
