ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY: PRESIDENT TINUBU, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, FCT MINISTER PLEDGE N320 MILLION TO NIGERIAN LEGION

ABUJA, December 2, 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja launched the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal, announcing a donation of N200 million to the Nigerian Legion. The gesture underscores his administration’s commitment to the welfare of military veterans, injured officers, and the families of fallen heroes.

At the ceremony held in the Presidential Villa, the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, jointly pledged N100 million on behalf of the National Assembly. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, also supported the cause with a donation of N20 million.
During the emblem decoration performed by the Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, Morenike Grace Henry, President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, senior lawmakers, and service chiefs were adorned with the symbolic remembrance poppy.

A Call for National Support
President Tinubu urged government institutions, private organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to support the Remembrance Day Appeal Fund generously. He emphasized that the Nigerian Legion remains a crucial support system for retired military personnel and widows of fallen heroes.
“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. He described Armed Forces Remembrance Day—marked annually on January 15—as a reminder of the importance of peace, unity, and shared responsibility.

He further appealed to Nigerians to shun divisive rhetoric and strengthen national cohesion.
“Our diversity is a national asset that must be projected and cherished,” he noted.
Security Gains and Renewed Hope Agenda
Highlighting recent successes in national security, President Tinubu praised the military for restoring stability across various conflict zones.
“Tens and thousands of insurgents have surrendered, key terrorist leaders have been neutralised, and many captives have been freed,” he stated, also noting significant improvements in maritime security, including reductions in oil theft, piracy, and illegal fishing.
He reaffirmed his commitment to equipping and motivating the Armed Forces:

“Security is the central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda. We will continue to improve the welfare of our troops and veterans.”
The President listed ongoing initiatives including enhanced allowances, upgraded barracks, strengthened healthcare, expanded Defence Health Maintenance Services, and modernised pension verification through BVN and NIN integration.

Tributes from Defence Leadership
The Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, called on Nigerians to wear the emblem with pride and offer meaningful support to the families of fallen heroes.
“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.
Richard Pheelangwa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, paid tribute to troops actively confronting terrorism, insurgency, and banditry. He noted that renewed security efforts have allowed schools to reopen, markets to flourish, and families to rebuild in once-troubled communities.

“Behind every secured territory stand men and women whose courage defines our national character,” he remarked.
Honouring the Nation’s Heroes
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed every January 15, honours Nigeria’s fallen soldiers and celebrates the bravery of living veterans who continue to defend the nation.
The 2026 emblem launch reiterates the nation’s gratitude—expressed through financial support, public remembrance, and sustained commitment to the welfare of service members and their families.

— Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy)
December 2, 2025