By Ayo Ayodele
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged stronger government support for serving military personnel, injured veterans, and families of fallen heroes as he donated N200 million to the Nigerian Legion at the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal launch held Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The National Assembly, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, contributed N100 million, while the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, donated N20 million, bringing the total support announced at the ceremony to N320 million.
The President, alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, top legislators, and service chiefs, was decorated with the remembrance poppy by Morenike Grace Henry, Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion.
Tinubu urged government agencies, businesses, and philanthropists to give generously to the legion, which supports military retirees and widows of fallen officers. He praised the military’s sacrifices in defending Nigeria’s unity, restoring peace to communities, and strengthening national stability.
“As a grateful nation, we must honour the fallen, support the wounded, and care for all who answered the call to serve,” he said. “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.”
Highlighting security progress under his administration, the President said collaboration among security agencies had improved, leading to significant gains including the surrender of thousands of insurgents, neutralisation of terrorist leaders, and the rescue of many captives. Maritime security, he added, had also improved, with oil theft, piracy, and illegal fishing curtailed.
He reiterated his commitment to equipping and motivating the Armed Forces, noting enhancements in allowances, upgraded barracks, improved healthcare, pension reforms, and investments in naval, air, and land capabilities.
Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, urged Nigerians to view the emblem as a symbol of gratitude and support for veterans. “When we support the appeal fund, we affirm that Nigeria cares,” he said.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, described Remembrance Day as an occasion to celebrate the courage of those who died defending Nigeria, while also saluting serving troops confronting terrorism, banditry, and other threats.
He noted that in once-troubled areas, schools have reopened, markets revived, and families rebuilt their lives, crediting the Armed Forces for sacrifices that continue to secure the nation.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day is marked annually on January 15 to honour Nigeria’s fallen soldiers and appreciate living veterans.