President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja announced a donation of ₦200 million to the Nigerian Legion, as the Federal Government reaffirmed support for wounded soldiers, families of fallen heroes, and retired service personnel.
This is contained in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Wednesday, December 2, 2025.
The President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, donated ₦100 million on behalf of the National Assembly, while the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, contributed ₦20 million.
The pledges were made at the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal launch held at the Presidential Villa.
During the ceremony, President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Senate President, the Deputy Speaker, and the service chiefs were decorated with the remembrance poppy by Morenike Grace Henry, Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion.
President Tinubu urged government agencies, businesses, and well-meaning Nigerians to generously support the Legion, noting that the association remains vital to the welfare of military retirees and widows.
“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.
“I call on every Nigerian to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace respect, tolerance, and understanding. Our diversity is a national asset.”
Highlighting gains in national security, the President said thousands of insurgents have surrendered, key commanders have been neutralised, and many captives have been rescued.
He also noted improvements in maritime security, including reductions in oil theft and piracy.
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to improving military welfare, citing enhanced allowances, upgraded barracks, improved healthcare, and modernised pension verification through BVN and NIN integration.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, urged Nigerians to see the emblem appeal as an act of solidarity with veterans and families of the fallen.
“When we wear this emblem, we say to our veterans: Nigeria remembers you,” he said.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, praised the sacrifices of service members and commended the President for consistently prioritising military welfare.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed annually on January 15 to honour fallen heroes and celebrate living veterans.
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