President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the establishment of a dedicated welfare fund to support members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, particularly those wounded in the line of duty and the families of fallen heroes.

The President made the announcement on Sunday as part of activities marking his 74th birthday, describing the initiative as a tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and service of military personnel.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu has directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to create a special account that will cater to injured service members, as well as widows, widowers, and children of personnel who lost their lives in service to the nation.

In a personal show of commitment, the President pledged to donate all his salaries since assuming office as seed funding for the initiative.

The move, he said, underscores his determination to ensure that those who have borne the cost of Nigeria’s peace and security are not forgotten.

President Tinubu called on state governors, members of the National Assembly, the private sector, friends, and well-wishers to contribute to the fund, adding that further details of the initiative would be unveiled in due course.

He emphasised that the creation of the fund is rooted in a solemn national obligation to care for members of the Armed Forces and their families, regardless of existing insurance arrangements.

The President stressed that supporting military personnel is not an act of charity but a collective duty owed to those who risk their lives in defence of the country.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel, assuring that their service would be matched with dignity, care, and sustained institutional support. (The Nation)