Tinubu Donates N200m To Nigerian Legion, Reaffirms Commitment To Military Welfare

In a renewed call for national gratitude and collective responsibility, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday led the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal with a N200m donation to the Nigerian Legion. The event, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, set the tone for this year’s remembrance activities and underscored the administration’s promise to prioritise the welfare of serving troops, injured officers and families of fallen heroes.

The National Assembly followed with a joint N100m contribution, presented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, while the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced a N20m donation. During the ceremony, Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the service chiefs and other dignitaries were decorated with the remembrance poppy by the Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, Morenike Henry.

Addressing attendees, the President urged government institutions, private organisations and citizens to rally behind the legion, which supports retired service members and widows of fallen soldiers.
“As a grateful nation, we must honour the fallen, support the wounded and care for all who answered the call to serve” Tinubu said. He stressed the importance of unity and cautioned Nigerians to reject rhetoric that fuels division, while embracing mutual respect, tolerance and understanding.

Tinubu praised the Armed Forces for progress made across different theatres of operation. He noted that tens of thousands of insurgents have surrendered, key terrorist leaders have been neutralised and several captives have been rescued. He added that maritime security has improved, with significant declines in oil theft, piracy and illegal fishing.

Reaffirming security as the backbone of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the President highlighted recent reforms aimed at motivating and strengthening the military. These include enhanced allowances, upgraded barracks, expanded healthcare access and a modernised pension verification system designed to ease the burden on veterans.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Olufemi Oluyede, appealed to Nigerians to see the emblem not just as a symbol but as a statement of gratitude.
“When we wear this emblem, we say to our veterans, Nigeria remembers you. When we support the appeal fund, we affirm that Nigeria cares,” he said.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, described the Remembrance Day as a solemn tribute to those who paid the ultimate price and to troops still confronting security threats. He commended Tinubu for sustained support, noting that many communities once destabilised by conflict are now seeing a return to normal life.

Armed Forces Remembrance Day is marked annually on January 15 to honour Nigeria’s fallen and living military heroes.