The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers (GOMEP) Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to place the welfare of the Armed Forces at the forefront, emphasizing the need for full transparency and accountability in resource management.
This appeal comes as Nigeria commemorates its annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, a solemn occasion to honour fallen heroes and veterans.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja, GOMEP highlighted the pressing challenges faced by the Nigerian armed forces, including inadequate funding, outdated equipment, and insufficient welfare programs.
The group argued that lack of welfare and mismanagement of resources hinder the armed forces’ ability to sustain progress in national security operations contributing to their setbacks.
The National Secretary of GOMEP, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, stressed the urgency of improving the living and working conditions of military personnel, particularly as the nation reflects on their sacrifices during Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Otiti urged the government to recommit to supporting the armed forces, ensuring that allocated resources are managed with transparency and integrity.
“Judging from what is on ground regarding the efforts of the Nigeria Government to boost the morale of the security personnel, one can say that more work needs to be done.
“The Nigeria Armed Forces are reckoned with globally because of their enthusiasm and commitment, even in the face of numerous challenges, ranging from poor welfare, to non provision of sophisticated equipment to tackle the surging insecurity in the land.”
He also emphasised the importance of combatting corruption within the defense sector, which has long been plagued by mismanagement and inefficiency.
GOMEP called for efficient and effective utilisation of allocated funds to strengthen national security as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu launched the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund.
“As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu launches the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund, GOMEP is using this occasion to call for transparency and accountability in the management of the resources, such that the funds allocated for any security purpose are efficiently and effectively utilised to strengthen security in the country.
“Transparency and accountability should be the hallmark of any progressive and forward-thinking government for the promotion of good governance, and reduction of corruption, because the gains translate into national development,” Otiti concluded.
