President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday launched the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal at the State House, Abuja, announcing a personal donation of N200 million to the Nigerian Legion and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the welfare of serving personnel, injured veterans, and families of fallen heroes.
At the high-profile ceremony held inside the Presidential Villa, the National Assembly, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, pledged N100 million, while the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, contributed N20 million, bringing the total initial donations to N320 million.
Speaking after being decorated with the remembrance poppy alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President of the Senate, the Deputy Speaker, and service chiefs, President Tinubu said the event served as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“As a grateful nation, we must honour the fallen, support the wounded, and care for all who answered the call to serve. Armed Forces Remembrance Day, marked every 15th of January, is a reminder of the call to peace and the importance of unity,” the President said.
He urged Nigerians to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace tolerance, stressing that the country’s diversity remains “a national asset that must be cherished.”
President Tinubu also praised the Nigerian military for its resilience across various theatres of operation, noting significant achievements in restoring stability and reclaiming communities previously under threat.
“Tens and thousands of insurgents have surrendered, key terrorist leaders have been neutralised, and many captives have been freed,” he stated.
The President highlighted improvements in maritime security, citing reduced oil theft, piracy, and illegal fishing, while acknowledging the new platforms and technological upgrades procured for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
He reaffirmed that strengthening the Armed Forces remains central to his Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the administration has already enhanced troop allowances, upgraded military barracks, improved healthcare services, expanded the Defence Health Maintenance Services Limited, and modernised pension verification through BVN and NIN integration.
President Tinubu called on government establishments, private businesses, and individuals to support the Nigerian Legion generously, noting that the organisation plays a vital role in supporting military retirees and widows of fallen heroes.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, praised the President for his unwavering support, especially in equipping troops and providing improved welfare packages.
“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.
Oluyede added that the symbolism of the emblem represents the nation’s promise never to abandon those who served in its name.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, described the Remembrance Day as a tribute not only to those who paid the ultimate price, but also to serving troops battling terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other threats.
He noted that the sacrifices of the military have enabled the reopening of schools, markets, and communities previously devastated by conflict.
“Behind every secured territory stand men and women whose courage defines our national character,” Pheelangwa said.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed annually on January 15 to honour Nigeria’s fallen soldiers and celebrate living veterans whose service continues to safeguard the nation’s stability.
The ceremony marks the beginning of a nationwide emblem appeal, during which Nigerians are encouraged to donate in support of the welfare of ex-servicemen and families of fallen heroes.