President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in Abuja, donated N200 million to the Nigerian Legion, assuring that the government will give more attention to the well-being of the military, injured officers, and the families of fallen heroes.
The President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who attended the ceremony, donated N100 million on behalf of the National Assembly.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, donated N20 million.
President Tinubu spoke at the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal launch at the Presidential Villa.
The President, Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the President of the Senate, the Deputy Speaker, and the service chiefs were decorated with the remembrance poppy by the Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, Morenike Grace Henry.
President Tinubu directed government institutions, businesses, and public-spirited individuals to donate generously to the legion, which serves as an association that caters to retirees and widows of fallen military heroes.
President Tinubu praised the military for the past sacrifices they made for the country’s unity and peace, and for sustaining patriotism by actively participating in securing communities.
“ 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.
“ 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.
“Our Armed Forces have demonstrated exceptional courage across various theatres of operations. Their efforts have restored normalcy to many communities and strengthened national stability. Under my administration, we have entrenched collaboration among security agencies and recorded significant gains.”
“ Tens and thousands of insurgents have surrendered, key terrorist leaders have been neutralised, and many captives have been freed,” the President stated.
The President noted that maritime security has significantly improved.
“ In our maritime domain, oil theft, piracy, and illegal fishing have been curtailed. We have supported new platforms and advanced capabilities acquired for the Navy, Army, and Air Force.
“As President and Commander-in-Chief, I remain committed to equipping and motivating our military because security is the central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I urge businesses and institutions nationwide to honour our service personnel by attending and extending appreciation and prioritising services as is done in many nations across the world.
“We will continue to improve the welfare of our troops and veterans. My administration has enhanced allowances, upgraded barracks, strengthened healthcare, expanded the Defence Health Maintenance Services Limited, and modernised pensions verifications through BVN and NIN integration.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, called on Nigerians to see the emblem as a means of support to the fallen heroes and their families.
He thanked the President for his continued support for the military, particularly for providing improved hardware, training, and better care for the injured and the families of fallen heroes.
“When we wear this emblem, we say to our veterans, Nigeria remembers you. When we support the appeal fund, we affirm that Nigeria cares. When we stand together today, we declare that Nigeria will never abandon those who serve in her name,” Oluyede said.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, said Remembrance Day is designed to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of men and women who gave their lives in defence of the nation.
“Today, we also pay tribute to veterans and salute our serving troops who continue to confront terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other security challenges,’’ he said.
Pheelangway also commended President Tinubu for consistently supporting the well-being of the military, the injured, and the families of fallen heroes.
“In many locations once marked by conflict, children have resumed school, markets have been reopened, and families are rebuilding with dignity. These restored moments are victories that often go unsung but remain deeply felt across our nation.
“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. Today, we honour their loyalty, bravery, and devotion,’’ he added.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an annual event observed on the 15th of January to honour fallen soldiers and recognise living veterans.
–Bayo Onanuga
