President Bola Tinubu has announced the approval of N18 billion for the payment of group life insurance benefits and other entitlements to the families of fallen heroes. Tinubu made this announcement during the launch of the Appeals and Emblems Fund for the 2024 Armed Forces Commemoration Day, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to Tinubu, the Nigerian troops deserve gratitude for their bravery and commitment to protecting the country. He emphasized the government’s commitment to their well-being and approved the sum of N18 billion for the payment of their group life insurance. The payment will also cover benefits and other rights for the families of service members who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Tinubu called on businesses to join this patriotic spirit and support service personnel through preferential treatment, discounts or rebates on goods and services. He also assured that his administration would continue to strengthen all Nigerian security agencies to provide a conducive environment free from threats and criminalities, enabling all who reside within the country’s borders to prosper and live in peace.
Tinubu praised Defense Health Maintenance Ltd. (DHML) for providing healthcare services to veterans and promised to expand its services by establishing zonal and state offices and regular awareness programmes. He urged the Nigerian Legion, under the coordination and supervision of the Ministry of Defence, to continue in the spirit of attending to the welfare of its sick members. He pledged his full support and that of the federal government as its Grand Patron.
Tinubu also called on the governors and patrons of their respective states to improve their efforts in supporting the Nigerian Legion. He encouraged government agencies at the federal and state levels to continue patronizing the services of the Nigerian Legion in the provision of security and other administrative services. He emphasized the potential of ex-servicemen for national development, and the emblem remains a symbol of remembrance and a ray of hope for a peaceful future in the country.
Tinubu appealed to all Nigerians and non-Nigerians residing in the country to adorn the emblem with pride and identify with those who gave their lives for the peace and security of the country. He encouraged donors to contribute generously to support veterans and families of fallen heroes.
The Minister of Information and National Guidance, Mohammed Idris, thanked the fallen heroes for the enormous sacrifices they made for the country. The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, said the event signified the concern and gratitude of the Tinubu government for the sacrifice of the Armed Forces. The retired Major General and National President of the Nigerian Legion, Abdulmalik Jubril, expressed his satisfaction with the achievements of the event and thanked the President for launching the Forces emblem, calling it a memorable achievement.