President Bola Tinubu launched a dedicated welfare fund for wounded soldiers and families of fallen heroes in Abuja on Sunday. This step provides critical support to the military.

He celebrated his 74th birthday by committing all his salaries since assuming office in June 2023 as seed funding for the initiative. This acts as a primary foundation for the pool.

Consequently, the President directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to establish a special account for the scheme immediately. This ensures the funds are managed correctly.

“This is a practical step to honour the sacrifice, courage and service of members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces,” the President stated during the official announcement.

Furthermore, the fund provides targeted support to injured personnel, as well as widows, widowers, and children of those who lost their lives. It fills a gap in existing care.

Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that the donation proves a commitment to those who have borne the burden of the nation’s security.

Onanuga has served as a lead media strategist for decades and previously directed the News Agency of Nigeria. He handled the official communications regarding the new fund.

“Supporting troops and their families is not an act of charity but a duty owed to those who risk their lives in defence of the nation,” he explained to reporters.

Tinubu explained that caring for military personnel is a solemn national obligation that existing welfare frameworks alone must not handle. This adds a layer of safety.

“Caring for military personnel and their families is a solemn national obligation that must not be left to existing welfare frameworks alone,” he insisted.

Presidential Salaries Seed New Armed Forces Scheme

“Their sacrifices must be matched with dignity, care and sustained support,” the President explained in the official statement released by the presidency on Sunday.

Meanwhile, he invited state governors and the private sector to contribute to the success of the new financial framework. Their support is vital for the long-term scale.

According to Punch News, the specific structure and operation of the fund will be unveiled in the coming days. The Accountant-General will supervise the accounts.

“We have to ensure that those who defend our sovereignty are never forgotten by the country they serve,” Tinubu told his aides during the launch event in the capital.

Traditional and Islamic leaders gathered at the National Mosque in Abuja shortly after 3:00 pm to offer special prayers for the President and the general peace of the nation.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, was represented by the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, during the spiritual session. They prayed for divine guidance and national strength.

National Mosque Hosts Solemn Birthday Prayer Session

Etsu Nupe Yahaya Abubakar serves as the Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers. He is a retired top-ranking military officer with deep institutional knowledge.

“This is a solemn spiritual exercise rather than a celebration,” the Etsu Nupe explained to the gathered worshippers and dignitaries inside the mosque.

Furthermore, he requested government help for National Mosque maintenance. “We must sustain prayers for national peace, unity and development,” the Etsu Nupe added.

The Emir of Keffi, Chindo Yamusa, also attended the event. He praised the federal interventions currently assisting subnational governments with their financial obligations.

The Emir of Keffi leads the Keffi Emirate in Nasarawa State. He has been a vocal advocate for infrastructure development and educational growth in the North Central region.

“Interventions in salary payments and infrastructure development are already yielding positive outcomes in Nasarawa State,” Yamusa stated during his remarks at the session.

Tinubu later observed the Asr prayer with the faithful before departing the venue alongside his ministers. He joined political associates to conclude the spiritual exercise.

Will the personal donation of presidential or governor’s salaries solve the challenges faced by veterans of the Nigerian military, or a better structured government-funded policy? Share your thoughts.