Tinubu donates salaries, launches welfare fund for armed forces personnel

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has announced the creation of a dedicated welfare fund to support members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, including those injured in the line of duty and the families of fallen soldiers.

The President unveiled the initiative on Sunday as part of activities marking his 74th birthday, describing it as a tribute to the courage, sacrifice and service of military personnel safeguarding the nation.

Tinubu directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to establish a special account for the fund, which is expected to provide targeted assistance to wounded service members as well as widows, widowers and children of deceased personnel.

In a personal gesture, the President pledged to donate all his salaries since assuming office as seed funding for the initiative, signalling what he described as a commitment to ensuring that those who bear the burden of national security are not neglected.

He said the initiative reflects a national responsibility to care for military personnel and their families, stressing that such support should not be seen as charity but as a duty owed to those who risk their lives for the country.

The President also called on state governors, members of the National Assembly, the private sector, and other well-meaning Nigerians to contribute to the fund, noting that further details of its structure and operation would be released in due course.

Tinubu reiterated his administration’s resolve to improve the welfare of armed forces personnel, assuring that their service would be matched with dignity, care and sustained support.