Tinubu, lawmakers donate N320m as Nigeria honours fallen heroes

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of military personnel, injured officers and families of fallen heroes, as he announced a N200 million donation to the Nigerian Legion during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal launch at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The President’s donation was followed by N100 million from the National Assembly, announced jointly by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, while the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, contributed N20 million.

During the ceremony, the Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, Morenike Grace Henry, decorated President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, top lawmakers and the service chiefs with the remembrance poppy.

Tinubu directed ministries, agencies, private organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to donate generously to the Legion, describing the body as a vital source of care and support for veterans, widows and families of fallen soldiers.

He hailed the armed forces for their sacrifices and for sustaining national unity in the face of evolving security challenges.

“As a grateful nation, we must honour the fallen, support the wounded and care for all who answered the call to serve,” he said.

He added that Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed annually on January 15, “is a reminder of the call to peace and the importance of unity.”

Calling on citizens to shun division and embrace national cohesion, 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 that must be projected and cherished.”

The President highlighted progress in counterinsurgency operations, noting that “tens of thousands of insurgents have surrendered, key terrorist leaders have been neutralised and many captives have been freed.”

He added that maritime security had significantly improved, with oil theft, piracy and illegal fishing curtailed through enhanced naval capabilities.

Reaffirming security as the “central pillar” of the Renewed Hope Agenda, he said his administration has increased allowances for troops, upgraded barracks, strengthened healthcare services, expanded Defence Health Maintenance Services Limited, and modernised pension verification using BVN and NIN integration.

He urged businesses and institutions nationwide to honour military personnel by prioritising support for them as is done in other countries.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, praised the President’s consistent backing for the armed forces, especially in improved training, equipment and support for injured soldiers and families of the fallen.

He reminded Nigerians that the emblem represents a promise never to forget those who served.

“When we wear this emblem, we say to our veterans: Nigeria remembers you. When we support the appeal fund, we affirm that Nigeria cares,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, said Remembrance Day provides an opportunity to honour both fallen heroes and serving troops confronting terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other threats. He noted that many previously volatile communities have returned to normalcy.

“In many locations once marked by conflict, children have resumed school, markets have been reopened, and families are rebuilding with dignity,” he said.