By Abdulqadir Muhammad Alhaji
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the establishment of a dedicated welfare fund to support members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, including personnel injured in active service and families of fallen soldiers.
The initiative was unveiled on Sunday as part of activities marking the President’s 74th birthday, in what he described as a tribute to the sacrifice and commitment of military personnel safeguarding the nation.
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President has directed the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to create a special account to manage the fund. The scheme is expected to provide targeted assistance to wounded service members, as well as widows, widowers, and children of deceased personnel.
As part of his personal contribution, President Tinubu pledged to donate all his salaries since assuming office as seed funding for the initiative, underscoring what he described as a commitment to ensuring that the sacrifices of military personnel are adequately recognised and supported.
The President also called on state governors, members of the National Assembly, private sector stakeholders, and well-meaning Nigerians to contribute to the fund. He noted that further details regarding the structure and operation of the initiative would be made public in due course.
President Tinubu emphasised that supporting members of the Armed Forces and their families should not be viewed as charity, but as a national responsibility owed to those who risk their lives in defence of the country.
He reiterated his administration’s resolve to strengthen the welfare of military personnel and ensure that their service is matched with dignity, care, and sustained institutional support.
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