President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday donated N200 million to the Nigerian Legion as he launched the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) Emblem Appeal, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the welfare of troops, wounded officers, and families of fallen heroes.
The President made the donation during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) Emblem Appeal launch at the Presidential Villa, where leaders of the National Assembly and other top government officials also made financial commitments.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu jointly donated N100 million on behalf of the National Assembly, while the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, contributed N20 million.
At the ceremony, Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, service chiefs and other dignitaries were decorated with the remembrance poppy by the Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, Morenike Grace Henry.
Speaking during the emblem launch, President Tinubu urged government agencies, private businesses, and patriotic Nigerians to generously support the Nigerian Legion as part of national responsibility to honour those who served the country.
“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 through Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy.
“Armed Forces Remembrance Day reminds us of the call to peace and the importance of unity.”
Tinubu praised the military for its sacrifices in preserving Nigeria’s unity and restoring peace in troubled communities.
He urged Nigerians to reject divisive sentiments and deepen national cohesion.
“As we honour our heroes, 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,” he said.
The President highlighted key security gains under his administration, noting the surrender of thousands of insurgents, the neutralisation of major terrorist leaders, the rescue of many captives, and improved maritime security.
“Our Armed Forces have demonstrated exceptional courage across various theatres of operations. Their efforts have restored normalcy and strengthened national stability. Oil theft, piracy, and illegal fishing have been curtailed. We have supported new platforms and advanced capabilities for the Navy, Army, and Air Force,” Onanuga quoted the President as saying.
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s resolve to continuously improve the welfare of serving and retired military personnel.
“We will continue to improve the welfare of our troops and veterans. Allowances have been enhanced, barracks upgraded, healthcare strengthened, and pension verification modernised through BVN and NIN integration,” the President stated.
Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, appealed to Nigerians to view the emblem as a symbol of gratitude to fallen heroes and their families.
“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, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, paid tribute to the sacrifices of fallen soldiers, injured troops, and serving personnel still confronting terrorism, insurgency and banditry. He commended the President for strengthening support for the military.
He noted that many communities once plagued by conflict have now witnessed reopening of schools, markets and the gradual restoration of normal life due to improved security efforts.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed annually on January 15 to honour soldiers who died in service and to recognise the contributions of living veterans.
