On his 74th birthday, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled a dedicated welfare fund for Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in a sweeping move to honour soldiers’ sacrifices and support their families.
In a statement, the President paid tribute to military personnel, stressing that:
“On this my 74th birthday, I celebrate the valiant men and women of our Armed Forces.”
Tinubu directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to immediately create a special account for the fund, which will provide support for serving personnel, wounded soldiers, and the families of fallen heroes including widows, widowers, and children.
In a striking personal gesture, the President announced that all his salaries since assuming office will be paid into the fund as seed capital, alongside existing military insurance and welfare schemes.
The initiative will offer direct assistance to personnel injured in the line of duty and dependents of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Tinubu also called for nationwide backing, urging governors, lawmakers, the private sector, and well-meaning Nigerians to contribute.
“This is not charity. It is duty. And we will fulfil it,” he said, underscoring the moral imperative behind the move.
Further details on the fund and contribution process are expected to be released by authorities in the coming days.
