President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday pledged N200 million to the Nigerian Legion as the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of military veterans, injured personnel, and families of fallen heroes. The announcement came during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal launch held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The National Assembly followed with a N100 million donation presented jointly on behalf of the legislature by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, also contributed N20 million on behalf of the FCT Administration.
During the ceremony, President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, senior lawmakers, and service chiefs were decorated with the remembrance poppy by Morenike Grace Henry, Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion. The President used the event to rally public and institutional support for the nation’s veterans, urging Nigerians to give generously to the Legion.
“As a grateful nation, we must honour the fallen, support the wounded, and care for all who answered the call to serve,” President Tinubu said, reflecting on the sacrifices made by service members. “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.”
The President also praised the military for its successes in counter-insurgency operations, noting substantial progress across different theatres. “Tens and thousands of insurgents have surrendered, key terrorist leaders have been neutralised, and many captives have been freed,” he said, adding that maritime security has likewise improved, with reductions in oil theft, piracy, and illegal fishing.
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving military welfare. “We will continue to improve the welfare of our troops and veterans. My administration has enhanced allowances, upgraded barracks, strengthened healthcare, expanded the Defence Health Maintenance Services Limited, and modernised pensions verifications through BVN and NIN integration.”
Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, appealed to Nigerians to support the emblem initiative, describing it as a symbolic national gesture. “When we wear this emblem, we say to our veterans, Nigeria remembers you. 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,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, highlighted the significance of Remembrance Day in honouring the courage and sacrifice of soldiers lost in service. He praised the military for securing territories once plagued by conflict. “In many locations once marked by conflict, children have resumed school, markets have been reopened, and families are rebuilding with dignity,” he noted. “Behind every secured territory stand men and women whose courage defines our national character.”
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day, marked annually on January 15, commemorates Nigeria’s fallen soldiers and recognises the service of living veterans.
