Tinubu, NASS, Wike Donate N320m to Nigerian Legion at 2026 Remembrance Day Launch
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday announced a N200 million donation to the Nigerian Legion as part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal launch held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The gesture underscores the administration’s renewed commitment to the welfare of serving military personnel, injured officers, and families of fallen heroes.
The National Assembly followed with a N100 million donation, announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, who represented their respective chambers at the ceremony. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, also contributed N20 million to the Legion.
During the event, 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 urged government institutions, corporate organisations, and Nigerians of goodwill to support the Legion, which provides care for military retirees, widows, and dependants of fallen soldiers.
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“As a grateful nation, we must honour the fallen, support the wounded, and care for all who answered the call to serve,” Tinubu said, calling for unity and tolerance among Nigerians. He described the annual Remembrance Day, observed on January 15, as a solemn reminder of the nation’s collective commitment to peace and national cohesion.
The President commended the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in defending the country and stabilising conflict-prone areas. He highlighted ongoing military successes, including mass insurgent surrenders, the neutralisation of key terrorist figures, and the rescue of captives across multiple theatres of operation.
“Oil theft, piracy, and illegal fishing have been curtailed in our maritime domain,” he added, noting new platforms and enhanced capabilities acquired for the Navy, Army, and Air Force. Tinubu reiterated that security remains the “central pillar” of his Renewed Hope Agenda, listing improved allowances, upgraded barracks, strengthened healthcare services, and modernised pension verification systems among recent reforms benefiting troops and veterans.
Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, appealed to Nigerians to see the emblem not as a symbol, but as an expression of national gratitude.
“When we wear this emblem, we say to our veterans: Nigeria remembers you,” he said.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, praised the military for restoring peace in areas once devastated by conflict. He noted that schools, markets, and livelihoods have returned in many communities due to the sacrifices of service personnel.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed annually on January 15 to honour fallen soldiers and acknowledge the service of living veterans.
By PRNigeria
