…Calls for National Support
By Adeyemi David
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the donation of his entire salary since assuming office to support members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, including wounded personnel and families of fallen soldiers.
The President made the disclosure in a statement on Sunday to mark his 74th birthday, describing the move as part of efforts to strengthen welfare support for military personnel.
According to him, he has directed the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to establish a dedicated account for the initiative, which will serve as a fund for supporting injured service members and relatives of those who died in active duty.
Tinubu said the fund is designed to recognise the sacrifices of military personnel and provide direct assistance to those affected by the consequences of service.
“On this my 74th birthday, I celebrate the valiant men and women of our Armed Forces,” he said, adding that all his salaries since assuming office would serve as seed funding for the initiative.
He noted that the fund would complement existing insurance and welfare schemes, while specifically targeting personnel who sustained injuries in the line of duty, as well as widows, widowers, and children of fallen heroes.
The President also called on state governors, members of the National Assembly, private sector stakeholders, and well-meaning Nigerians to contribute to the fund.
“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 said.
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Tinubu stressed that supporting members of the Armed Forces and their families is a collective national responsibility, not 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,” he added.
The initiative is expected to bolster welfare efforts for military personnel and reinforce public recognition of their role in safeguarding the nation.
