President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the establishment of a special support fund dedicated to wounded military personnel and the families of fallen heroes, pledging to donate all his salaries as President into the account as seed funding.
President Tinubu announced the initiative on Sunday, using the commemoration of his 74th birthday, to honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of the nation’s military personnel.
He said the initiative was in honour of the valiant men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces, whose sacrifices continue to guarantee the nation’s peace and security.
The Nigerian Leader emphasised that the initiative is rooted in a solemn national obligation to care for those who stand in harm’s way and the families who carry the burden of their sacrifice, irrespective of insurance programmes available to members of the armed forces.
President Tinubu also directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to immediately create the dedicated account, which he said would cater for soldiers wounded in the line of duty, as well as widows, widowers and children of military personnel who paid the supreme price in service to the country.
“On this my 74th birthday, I celebrate the valiant men and women of our Armed Forces.
“Today, I have directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to establish a special account for a fund dedicated to those who serve, those wounded in the line of duty, and the families of those who have paid the ultimate price.
“As a personal commitment, all my salaries since assuming office will be paid into this account as seed funding, irrespective of existing insurance and welfare schemes for members of our armed forces. This fund will directly support those who have lost their limbs, and the widows, widowers, and children of those who laid down their lives in service to our dear country.
The President also called on state governors, members of the National Assembly, the private sector, friends and other well-wishers to support the initiative, noting that details of the account would be made public in due course.
President Tinubu stressed that the nation must never forget those who daily stand in harm’s way for the country’s peace, nor the sacrifices borne by their families, insisting that the initiative was not an act of charity but a solemn national duty.
“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.
“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.” President Tinubu added.