Abuja – President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday launched the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal with a personal donation of two hundred million naira to the Nigerian Legion, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the welfare of serving military personnel, injured officers, veterans and families of fallen heroes. The ceremony was held at the Presidential Villa and was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, senior legislators, service chiefs and other dignitaries.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu announced a one‑hundred‑million‑naira contribution from the National Assembly on behalf of lawmakers, while the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, pledged twenty million naira.
During the event, the Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, Morenike Grace Henry, presented the remembrance poppy to the President and other guests.
In his address, President Tinubu urged government institutions, businesses and patriotic Nigerians to donate generously to the Legion, which he said plays a pivotal role in supporting widows, orphans and retired soldiers. “As a grateful nation, we must honour the fallen, support the wounded, and care for all who answered the call to serve,” the President declared. He called on Nigerians to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace unity, describing the country’s diversity as a national asset.
Tinubu highlighted major security gains under his administration, noting the surrender of tens of thousands of insurgents, the neutralisation of key terrorist leaders and the release of many captives. He also reported significant progress in maritime security with reductions in oil theft, piracy and illegal fishing.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to enhancing military welfare, the President said the government would improve allowances, upgrade barracks, strengthen healthcare and modernise pension verification systems through integration with the Bank Verification Number and National Identification Number.
Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede described the emblem as a symbol of solidarity with 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, thanking the President for his commitment to improved military hardware, training and care for injured service members.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, said Remembrance Day is a solemn recognition of the men and women who have paid the ultimate price for national unity. He added that improved security has reopened markets, restored schools and allowed displaced families to rebuild their lives across formerly troubled regions.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is commemorated annually on January 15 to honour fallen soldiers and celebrate living veterans who continue to uphold the nation’s security.
