Tinubu, National Assembly, Wike Commit N320m to Nigerian Legion at Remembrance Day Emblem Launch

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday announced a donation of N200 million to the Nigerian Legion, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to supporting serving military personnel, wounded officers, and families of fallen soldiers.

At the event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu contributed N100 million on behalf of the National Assembly, while FCT Minister Nyesom Wike donated N20 million.

These pledges were made during the launch of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, Morenike Grace Henry, decorated President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Senate President, the Deputy Speaker, and service chiefs with the remembrance poppy.

Calling for wider support, President Tinubu urged public institutions, private organisations, and patriotic citizens to donate generously to the legion, which assists military retirees and widows of fallen heroes.

“As a grateful nation, we must honour the fallen, support the wounded, and care for all who answered the call to serve,” he said. “Armed Forces Remembrance Day, marked every 15th of January, is a reminder of the call to peace and the importance of unity.”

He praised the Armed Forces for their bravery in restoring security, noting the surrender of tens of thousands of insurgents, the neutralisation of key terrorist leaders, and the rescue of numerous captives. He also cited improved maritime security, including reductions in oil theft, piracy, and illegal fishing, while restating his administration’s commitment to upgrading military equipment and morale.

Tinubu highlighted recent improvements in welfare, including enhanced allowances, better barracks, upgraded healthcare, expansion of Defence Health Maintenance Services Limited, and modernised pension verification using BVN and NIN.

Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, described the emblem as a symbol of national appreciation for fallen heroes and their families, commending the President for advancing military welfare and operational resources.

“When we wear this emblem, we say to our veterans, Nigeria remembers you,” he said. “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.”

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, said the Remembrance Day honours the courage and sacrifice of personnel who died defending the country. He also praised the President for improvements that have allowed schools, markets, and communities in once-conflict-ridden areas to reopen, describing these restored activities as “victories that often go unsung but remain deeply felt across our nation.”

Armed Forces Remembrance Day is commemorated every January 15 to honour Nigeria’s fallen soldiers and acknowledge living veterans.

Opinion Nigeria News