By Achile Danjuma
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the creation of a special welfare fund for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, pledging to donate all the salaries he has earned since assuming office as seed funding for the initiative.
The announcement was made in a personal statement released to mark his 74th birthday, in which the President said the initiative was aimed at honouring the sacrifices of military personnel and supporting their families.
“On this my 74th birthday, I celebrate the valiant men and women of our Armed Forces,” Tinubu said.
He directed the Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, to immediately establish a dedicated account for the welfare fund.
According to the President, the fund will provide support for serving personnel, soldiers wounded in the line of duty, and the families of fallen military officers, including widows, widowers and children.
Tinubu said the initiative would complement existing insurance and welfare schemes available to members of the armed forces.
He explained that the fund would offer direct assistance to personnel who have sustained life-altering injuries in the course of service, as well as dependents of those who died while defending the country.
The President also called on state governors, members of the National Assembly, private sector organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support the initiative.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu stressed that the gesture was rooted in a moral responsibility to recognise the sacrifices of those who defend the nation.
“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.”
Further details about the welfare fund and the special account are expected to be announced by relevant government authorities in the coming days.