Meet Surviving Nigerian Nigerian World War 2 Veteran, Wesley Tafida As He Celebrates His 106th Birthday (pics)
Happy 106th birthday to World War II veteran, Regimental Sergeant Major Wesley Tafida of Jalingo.
His birthday falls fittingly within the buildup to the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, on January 15.
RSM Wesley Tafida is also the father of Major General Henry Tafida Wesley aka Wesley Snipes, recently retired Commander, Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps.
In a deeply symbolic gesture to commemorate the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026, the Commander, 6 Brigade/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, visited 106-year-old World War II veteran, Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Wesley Tafida, at his home in Jalingo, Taraba State.
The centenarian soldier father of retired Major General H.T. Wesley recounted memories from a bygone era, recalling his service as a courier during World War II, when duty often meant courage in the face of uncertainty. His stories offered a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that laid the foundation of Nigeria’s Armed Forces.
Moved by the visit, RSM Tafida praised Brigadier General Uwa’s leadership and commitment to security in Taraba State, describing the gesture as a touching assurance that the sacrifices of veterans are neither forgotten nor taken for granted.
The visit captured the true spirit of Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day honouring fallen heroes, celebrating living legends, and inspiring today’s troops to uphold the values of service, loyalty, and sacrifice.
