President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday donated N200 million to the Nigerian Legion during the launch of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He pledged greater government support for military personnel, injured officers and families of fallen heroes.
The National Assembly, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, contributed N100 million, while the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, donated N20 million.
During the ceremony, Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, top 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 urged government institutions, businesses and citizens to donate generously to the Legion, which supports retired service members and widows of fallen soldiers. He praised the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in defence of national unity, peace and territorial integrity.
“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 called on Nigerians to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace unity, describing diversity as a national asset.
Tinubu highlighted recent security gains, noting that tens of thousands of insurgents have surrendered, key terrorist leaders neutralised, and many captives freed. He also noted significant improvements in maritime security and renewed investment in military equipment and capabilities.
“As President and Commander-in-Chief, I remain committed to equipping and motivating our military because security is the central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said, adding that welfare enhancements include upgraded barracks, improved allowances, strengthened healthcare services and modernised pension verification systems.
Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, urged Nigerians to see the emblem appeal as a show of solidarity with fallen heroes and their families. “When we wear this emblem, we say to our veterans, Nigeria remembers you,” he said.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, described Remembrance Day as a tribute to the courage of men and women who died defending the nation and an opportunity to honour veterans and serving troops confronting insecurity across the country.
He praised President Tinubu for sustained support to the military, noting the return of normalcy in many previously volatile areas where children are back in school and families are rebuilding.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day is marked annually on January 15 to honour fallen soldiers and acknowledge living veterans.
