TINUBU, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PLEDGE N320 MILLION TO NIGERIAN LEGION FOR ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE
ABUJA, NIGERIA — President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) collectively pledged N320 million on Tuesday to the Nigerian Legion during the launch of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal. President Tinubu personally donated N200 million, assuring the nation that his government remains committed to significantly improving the welfare of the military, injured personnel, and the families of fallen heroes.
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, jointly represented the National Assembly at the event, donating N100 million on behalf of the legislative arm. Adding to the contributions, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike pledged N20 million. The ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa, also saw President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Senate President, the Deputy Speaker, and all Service Chiefs decorated with the remembrance poppy by the Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, Morenike Grace Henry.
In his address, President Tinubu passionately directed all government institutions, businesses, and public-spirited individuals to donate generously to the Nigerian Legion, the association responsible for catering to military retirees and the widows of service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice. He praised the military’s sacrifices for Nigeria’s unity and peace, emphasising the importance of the Remembrance Day observed annually on January 15th as a call for peace, unity, and a firm rejection of divisive rhetoric.
The President highlighted the significant successes recorded under his administration, noting that security remains the central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda. He stated that enhanced collaboration among security agencies has led to the surrender of thousands of insurgents, the neutralisation of key terrorist leaders, the freeing of many captives, and the curtailment of oil theft and piracy in the maritime domain through the acquisition of new platforms for the Navy, Army, and Air Force.
Reinforcing the commitment to military welfare, President Tinubu detailed ongoing initiatives, including enhanced allowances, barracks upgrades, strengthened healthcare services through the expansion of the Defence Health Maintenance Services Limited, and the modernisation of pension verifications via BVN and NIN integration. He urged all sectors of the economy to honour service personnel by extending appreciation and prioritizing services, as is common practice in other nations globally.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed gratitude to the President for his continued support, particularly the provision of improved hardware and training. He appealed to Nigerians to see the emblem as a concrete symbol of support, stating, “When we wear this emblem, we say to our veterans, Nigeria remembers you. When we support the appeal fund, we affirm that Nigeria cares.”
