A dedicated welfare fund to support members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, particularly those wounded in the line of duty and the families of fallen heroes, has been established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a personal show of commitment, Tinubu pledged to donate all his salaries since assuming office in May 2023 as seed fund for the initiative.
The President made the announcement on Sunday as part of activities marking his 74th birthday. He described the initiative as a tribute to the courage, sacrifice and service of military personnel.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to create the special account that will cater for injured service members, as well as widows, widowers and children of personnel who lost their lives in service to the nation.
According to the President, the establishment of the fund underscores his determination to ensure that those who have borne the cost of Nigeria’s peace and security are not forgotten.
He called on governors, members of the National Assembly, the private sector, friends and well-wishers to contribute to the fund.
Tinubu emphasised that the creation of the fund is rooted in a solemn national obligation to care for members of the Armed Forces and their families, regardless of existing insurance arrangements.
The President stressed that supporting military personnel is not an act of charity but a collective duty owed to those who risk their lives in defence of the country.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel, assuring that their service would be matched with dignity, care, and sustained institutional support.
