President Tinubu, National Assembly, FCT Minister Pledge ₦320 Million to Nigerian Legion
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside key lawmakers and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Tuesday, made a combined donation of ₦320 million to the Nigerian Legion, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to the welfare of military personnel, veterans, and families of fallen heroes.
President Tinubu contributed ₦200 million during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal launch at the Presidential Villa, urging government institutions, private organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to support the legion, which caters to retirees and widows of fallen soldiers.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, donated ₦100 million on behalf of the National Assembly, while FCT Minister Nyesom Wike added ₦20 million.
The President, alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Senate President, the Deputy Speaker, and service chiefs, was decorated with the remembrance poppy by the Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, Morenike Grace Henry.
Addressing the gathering, President Tinubu praised the military for their sacrifices, emphasising their role in maintaining national unity and security. “As a grateful nation, we must honour the fallen, support the wounded, and care for all who answered the call to serve. Armed Forces Remembrance Day, marked every 15th of January, is a reminder of the call to peace and the importance of unity,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace respect and tolerance, noting: “Our Armed Forces have demonstrated exceptional courage across various theatres of operations. Their efforts have restored normalcy to many communities and strengthened national stability.”
The President highlighted recent security achievements under his administration, including the surrender of insurgents, neutralisation of terrorist leaders, release of captives, and improved maritime security.
He added: “We have supported new platforms and advanced capabilities acquired for the Navy, Army, and Air Force… Security remains the central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He further detailed initiatives to improve welfare for troops and veterans, citing upgraded barracks, enhanced allowances, expansion of the Defence Health Maintenance Services Limited, and modernised pensions verification through BVN and NIN integration.
Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, described the emblem appeal as a symbolic commitment to supporting fallen heroes and their families.
“When we wear this emblem, we say to our veterans, Nigeria remembers you… We declare that Nigeria will never abandon those who serve in her name,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, noted that Remembrance Day also honours serving troops confronting terrorism, insurgency, and other security challenges.
“Behind every secured territory stand men and women whose courage defines our national character. Some continue to serve with visible and invisible scars; others paid the supreme price, and they now live in our collective memory,” he added.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed annually on 15 January, commemorates fallen soldiers and recognises living veterans for their service to the nation.