President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the establishment of a dedicated welfare fund for Nigeria’s Armed Forces, marking his 74th birthday with a major gesture aimed at supporting military personnel and their families.
In a statement issued on the occasion, the President and Commander-in-Chief paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the nation’s servicemen and women.
“On this my 74th birthday, I celebrate the valiant men and women of our Armed Forces,” he said.
As part of the initiative, President Tinubu directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to immediately set up a special account to manage the fund. The scheme is designed to provide support for serving personnel, those injured in active duty, and the families of fallen heroes, including widows, widowers, and children.
In a personal show of commitment, the President disclosed that all his salaries since assuming office will be contributed as seed funding for the initiative, complementing existing insurance and welfare programmes.
The fund is expected to offer targeted assistance to wounded soldiers, including those who have lost limbs, as well as dependents of personnel who died in the line of duty.
Calling for nationwide participation, Tinubu urged state governments, lawmakers, the private sector, and well-meaning Nigerians to support the initiative.
“I call on our Governors, members of the National Assembly, the private sector, my friends and all well-wishers to support this initiative. Details of the account will be made available in due course,” he stated.
Emphasising the significance of the move, the President described the fund as a moral responsibility rather than an act of charity.
“We must never forget those who stand in harm’s way for our peace, nor the sacrifices borne by their families. This is not charity. It is duty. And we will fulfil it.”
Further details on the fund and contribution guidelines are expected to be released by the relevant authorities in the coming days.
