Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has launched the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem appeal fund at the State House, Abuja.
President Tinubu commended the courage and dedication of troops confronting terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other security threats across the country.
Speaking ahead of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, commemorated annually on January 15, the President said a grateful nation must continue to “honour the fallen, support the wounded, and care for all who answer the call to serve.”
He noted that Remembrance Day remained a solemn reminder of the cost of peace and the enduring importance of national unity, saying that the sacrifices of Nigeria’s military heroes have significantly strengthened national stability.
“As a grateful nation, we must honour the fallen, support the wounded, and create and care for all who answer the call to serve the Armed Forces. Remember Remembrance Day, marked every 15 January, is a reminder of the cost of peace and the importance of unity as we honour our heroes.
“Today, we also pay tribute to veterans and salute our serving troops who continue to confront terrorism, insurgency, and other security challenges. They are resilience, often in the face of great danger, remains a source of national pride.
President Tinubu further commended the Armed Forces for demonstrating exceptional courage across multiple theatres of operation.
He noted that their relentless efforts have restored normalcy to several communities.
“Our armed forces have demonstrated exceptional courage across various theatres of operation. Their efforts have restored normalcy to many communities and strengthened national stability.
“And under my administration, we have entrenched collaboration among security agencies and recorded significant gains; tens of thousands of insurgents have surrendered.
“Key terrorist leaders have been neutralised, and many captives have been freed in our maritime domain. Oil theft, piracy and illegal fishing have been contained; we have supported new platforms and advanced capabilities acquired for the Army, Navy and Air Force,” the President explained.
Comprehensive Programme
Nigerian Leader also disclosed that the Ministry of Defence was developing a comprehensive programme to reclaim ungoverned spaces across the country by leveraging the expertise and experience of retired military personnel.
According to the President, the initiative is designed to strengthen security, restore government presence, and turn previously insecure areas into zones of economic activity.
He stated that the programme would also help prevent the resurgence of violence in communities that had been affected by insecurity.
“The Ministry of Defence is developing a reclaiming the ungoverned spaces for economic benefit programme by utilising the experience of retired military personnel.
“This initiative aimed to strengthen security and revitalise local economies and prevent the emergence of violence in previously affected communities.
“This year marks a new chapter in our remembrance activities. The Ministry of Defence has introduced Thank a Soldier, a QR code, and an innovative platform allowing Nigerians at home and abroad to send messages of appreciation to our troops.
Honoured them, this initiative promotes digital engagement and encourages youth participation in national service.
” As we launch the 2026 emblem, I urge all Nigerians to wear it with pride. It symbolises sacrifices, honour and national gratitude,” the President said.
He also urged Nigerians to reject divisive rhetoric and instead promote respect, tolerance, and mutual understanding, describing the nation’s diversity as a natural asset that must be protected and cherished.
He stressed that national unity remained essential to Nigeria’s progress and stability, noting that the country’s true strength lies in its people’s ability to rise above differences and work together toward a common purpose.
“I call on every Nigerian to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace respect, tolerance and understanding. Our diversity is a natural national asset that must be projected and cherished.
“As President and Commander in Chief, I remain committed to equipping and motivating our military security, a central pillar of the Renew Hope agenda”
Improve the Military’s Welfare
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigeria’s military personnel and federal security operatives, outlining several measures already undertaken to strengthen their support systems.
“We will continue to improve the welfare of our troops and other security agencies. My administration has enhanced allowances, upgraded barracks, strengthened health care, expanded health maintenance and organised pension verification through BVN and NIN integration platforms”
Donations
In appreciation of the efforts of fallen heroes to national security, President Tinubu donated N200m to the appeal fund.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who was decorated with the emblem by the Chairman Nigeria Legion, Mrs Grace Morenike Henry, donated N100m, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, donated N20m.
Also present at the emblem launch were: the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, Chairman Senate Committee on Defence, Ahmed Lawan.
Others are Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Wahidi Shaibu, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air, DG National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed, DSS Director General, Afeola Ajayi and Heads of paramilitary agencies.
Confidence Okwuchi