President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the establishment of a special welfare fund to support members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, including personnel wounded in active service and families of fallen soldiers.
The President made the announcement on Sunday as part of activities marking his 74th birthday, describing the initiative as a tribute to the courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of military personnel to the nation’s peace and security.
According to a State House press release signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the fund will provide targeted assistance to injured service members, as well as widows, widowers and children of military personnel who died in the line of duty.
President Tinubu has directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to create a dedicated account for the initiative to ensure transparency and effective management of the fund.
Demonstrating personal commitment, the President pledged to donate all his salaries since assuming office as seed funding for the scheme.
The President also called on state governors, members of the National Assembly, the private sector, as well as friends and well-wishers, to support the initiative. He added that full details of the fund’s structure and operations would be unveiled in due course.
Tinubu stressed that the initiative is anchored on what he described as a “solemn national obligation” to care for members of the Armed Forces and their families, regardless of existing insurance provisions.
“Supporting members of the Armed Forces and their families is not an act of charity, but a duty that all must fulfil,” the President said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel, noting that their service to the country must be matched with dignity, care and sustained support.
74th Birthday: Tinubu announces donation of salaries since 2023 to Armed Forces welfare fund
