By Dr Nafisat Makinde
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday personally donated 200 million naira ($138,000) and led top government officials in pledging a total of 320 million naira to the Nigerian Legion, the association that supports military veterans, wounded troops and families of fallen soldiers.
The donations were announced at the official launch of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, according to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy).
Tinubu, who was decorated with the traditional remembrance poppy alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima and service chiefs, contributed 200 million naira on behalf of the presidency.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu jointly pledged 100 million naira on behalf of the National Assembly, while Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike donated 20 million naira, bringing the total announced at the event to 320 million naira.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tinubu praised the armed forces for recent gains against insurgency and maritime crime and urged businesses, government institutions and individuals to support the annual appeal fund.
“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.
He highlighted improved inter-agency collaboration, the surrender of thousands of insurgents, the neutralization of key terrorist leaders and a sharp decline in oil theft and piracy under his administration.
Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede thanked Tinubu for increased military funding, upgraded equipment and enhanced welfare packages, including better allowances, renovated barracks and modernized pension systems.
Nigeria marks Armed Forces Remembrance Day annually on Jan. 15 to commemorate soldiers killed in the 1967-1970 civil war, World War veterans and troops lost in subsequent conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
The emblem appeal fund raises money for veterans’ welfare and assistance to widows and orphans of fallen service members.
