By Kunle Sanni –
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigeria’s serving military personnel and veterans, declaring, “We will continue to improve the welfare of our troops and veterans.”
He made the pledge on Tuesday in Abuja during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal launch, where a total of N320 million was donated to support the Nigerian Legion.
In his address, Tinubu personally donated N200 million on behalf of the federal government. The National Assembly, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, contributed N100 million, while the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, donated N20 million.
At the ceremony, the president, Vice President Kashim Shettima, top lawmakers, and service chiefs were decorated with the remembrance poppy by the Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, Morenike Grace Henry.
Tinubu praised the military for its sacrifices and highlighted progress in the security sector, including the surrender of thousands of insurgents, neutralisation of terrorist leaders, and the liberation of captives. He also noted significant improvements in maritime security and efforts to curb oil theft and piracy.
Reaffirming that the welfare of troops remains central to his Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu outlined steps already taken: enhanced allowances, upgraded barracks, strengthened healthcare services, expanded Defence Health Maintenance Services, and modernised pension verification through BVN and NIN integration.
“As a grateful nation, we must honour the fallen, support the wounded, and care for all who answered the call to serve,” the President said, urging Nigerians to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace unity.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, echoed the call for support, saying the emblem symbolises the country’s remembrance and gratitude to its heroes. He thanked the President for improved military hardware, training, and support for injured personnel and families of the fallen.
