President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday launched the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal Fund, spearheading the initial contributions with a staggering ₦320 million raised alongside leaders of the National Assembly and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister.
The solemn ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, marked the annual kickoff of nationwide fundraising efforts to support Nigeria’s fallen heroes, injured veterans, and the families they left behind, emphasizing the nation’s “sacred duty” to its servicemen.2
The total sum of ₦320 million was raised from three major contributors representing the executive and legislative arms of government:3
| Contributor | Amount Donated |
| President Bola Tinubu | ₦200 Million |
| National Assembly (Pledged by Senate President Godswill Akpabio & Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu) | ₦100 Million |
| FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike | ₦20 Million |
| Total Raised | ₦320 Million |
During the event, President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other dignitaries were decorated with the remembrance poppy by the Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, Mrs. Grace Morenike Henry.
In his address, President Tinubu commended the Armed Forces for their “exceptional courage” in theatres of operation across the country, highlighting significant security gains achieved under his administration, including the surrender of thousands of insurgents and the neutralization of key terrorist leaders.
“As a grateful nation, we must honour the fallen, support the wounded, and care for all who answered the call to serve,” President Tinubu asserted.6 “Armed Forces Remembrance Day reminds us of the cost of peace and the enduring importance of national unity.”7
The President also announced a new digital initiative to foster appreciation: the launch of a ‘Thank a Soldier’ digital platform with a QR code, enabling Nigerians at home and abroad to send personalized messages of appreciation to serving troops.
The President reiterated that the welfare of military personnel remains central to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He cited ongoing reforms, including, enhanced allowances and upgraded barracks, expanded healthcare services and health insurance coverage, and modernized pension verification systems integrated with BVN and NIN.
Furthermore, he disclosed that the Ministry of Defence is developing a program to deploy the expertise of retired military personnel to help reclaim ungoverned spaces nationwide, integrating veteran experience directly into the national security framework.
The fundraising appeal marks the beginning of nationwide activities leading up to the main Armed Forces Remembrance Day observance on January 15, 2026.
