President Bola Tinubu has donated N200 million to the Nigerian Legion, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the welfare of serving military personnel, injured officers, and families of fallen heroes.
The donation was announced during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal Launch at the Presidential Villa. The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, also donated N100 million on behalf of the National Assembly, while the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, contributed N20 million.
At the ceremony, President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the service chiefs, and other dignitaries were decorated with the remembrance poppy by the Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, Morenike Grace Henry.
The President urged government institutions, private organisations, and individuals to donate generously to the Legion, which supports military retirees and widows of fallen soldiers. He praised the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in safeguarding national unity and stability.
“As a grateful nation, we must honour the fallen, support the wounded, and care for all who answered the call to serve,” Tinubu said. “As we honour our heroes, I call on every Nigerian to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace respect, tolerance, and understanding. Our diversity is a national asset.”
Tinubu highlighted improved collaboration among security agencies and noted significant achievements in the fight against terrorism and crime, including the surrender of thousands of insurgents, neutralisation of key terrorist leaders, and the rescue of numerous captives.
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He also pointed to enhanced maritime security, with reductions in oil theft, piracy, and illegal fishing.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to modernising the Armed Forces and improving personnel welfare through upgraded allowances, better healthcare, renovated barracks, and streamlined pension verification.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, urged Nigerians to see the emblem as a symbol of national gratitude and continued support for military families.
“When we wear this emblem, we say to our veterans, Nigeria remembers you,” he said. “When we support the appeal fund, we affirm that Nigeria cares.”
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Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, also praised the sacrifices of fallen soldiers and commended the Tinubu administration for prioritising the welfare of troops and veterans.
Paradigm News reports that, the Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed annually on January 15 to honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes and celebrate living veterans who continue to defend the nation.