Tinubu gives honour to fallen soldiers, promises to tackle insecurity
President Bola Tinubu
Tinubu gives honour to fallen soldiers, promises to tackle insecurity
President Bola Tinubu has stressed the commitment of his administration to winning the war against insecurity in the country.
The President gave this commitment, on Monday, at the Regimental Dinner Night in honour of the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in Abuja.
Represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, President Tinubu reiterated his readiness to equip the military with the necessary resources to stamp out all manner of security challenges in the country.
He commended the resilience and professionalism of military troops in the fight against insurgency, noting that those who paid the supreme price to keep the nation safe would never be forgotten.
He said: “This gathering emphasises not only our shared dedication to the security and unity of our great nation but also countless sacrifices made by our men and women who have served as well.
“The dedication, and professionalism exhibited by our service men and women should be a source of pride and inspiration to all Nigerians. So, tonight as we celebrate, let us also look into the future.”
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu further quoted President Tinubu as saying, “The challenges we face not only demand courage and strength but innovation and adaptability, but we must continue to invest in the capabilities of our military, equipping them with the resources and support necessary to effectively address the evolving security challenges that daily confront us.
“The road ahead will not always be easy but together we can overcome any challenge. Let me assure you that we will continue to prioritise the welfare and well-being of our armed forces personnel.”
We will ensure that they have the necessary resources and support to carry out their duties effectively.”
President Tinubu also praised distinguished officers who received awards of honour from the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa.
Celebrating this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Kano State Government has donated N10m to fallen heroes of the state.
The Kano Governor, Kabir Yusuf personally donated N2m to support that of the State Government.
At the event held at Coronation Hall, Government House Kano, on Monday, the governor, represented by the Director-General, Special Services, AVM Ibrahim Umaru (retd.) appreciated the sacrifice of the fallen heroes.
He also praised troops currently engaged in internal security operations, particularly the fight against insurgency, terrorism and armed banditry in some parts of the country.
The governor reassured people of the state government’s readiness to continue to prioritise the security of the lives and property of the people of the state.
The Director-General, Special Services, AVM Umaru (retd.) made a personal donation of N300,000.
During the appeal, the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Navy donated N500,000 each, including N250,000 from the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Service.
Other contributions of N100,000 were from NSCDC, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Commandant of the State Taskforce on Phone Snatching and Drug Abuse, Brig Gen. Gambo Ahmad Mai Adu’a (rtd).
On its part, the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, commended the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of the late Andrew Omotor, a firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty.
The governor was quoted in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, as assuring the family of the needed support to sail through their difficult period.
Meanwhile, a former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd), has called for targeted support initiatives for wounded and disabled military veterans to enhance morale among active-duty personnel.
He also advocated tax and appreciation rebates on local flights and public transportation for veterans in the country.
Irabor made this call during the 2025 Armed Forces Celebration, Remembrance Day Lecture and Art Exhibition in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said, “All active-duty and veterans should be given reasonable rebates on all local flights and movements in public transportation systems. Attempts on this programme in the past have not been well coordinated. They have been disparate in execution. It would be necessary to fashion out a more enduring programme to achieve the programme.
“Specifically, the ongoing discourse around the recent Tax Reform Bill should have provisions institutionalising tax rebates for veterans. “
While calling for improved support for wounded servicemen, Irabor stated that their plight left a heartbreaking tale in the minds of everyone including those still in service.
“This could indirectly demoralise serving personnel. It could even make veterans go into depression for possible regrets of patriotic services rendered to the nation.
“To redress this, it is suggested that special support could be organised for better care of wounded and disabled active-duty and retired military personnel.
“I am aware of the ongoing construction of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder facility and the Invictus Games project.
“It is very essential that these projects are completed, fully furnished, well-equipped and properly manned, sustained and well-publicized for the benefit of the Armed Forces.
“The projects will also improve the perception of the Federal Government and the nation in general, as a grateful people for patriotic services rendered,” he added.
Irabor also called for a comprehensive healthcare programme for veterans, adding that the quality of life of veterans had continued to depreciate daily when juxtaposed with the inflationary trends.
According to him, even with prompt payment of monetary entitlements, the value pales when healthcare-related issues are tied to the disposable income of the veteran.
He said that the current Defence Healthcare Insurance policy for personnel was not comprehensive with many ailments and medical cases not covered in the policy.
He proposed establishing a special-purpose vehicle to provide comprehensive healthcare for veterans, particularly as inflation erodes their disposable incomes.
He also called for the establishment of an affordable housing scheme and foundations for veterans with special needs.
He said, “The housing needs for personnel after service are huge and daunting. Although the various services have developed programmes to assist personnel, the outcome has not relieved the financial burden on the men.
“The cost implications of the services could have been a major challenge in the execution of the welfare programme.
“To redress this issue, a coordinated special programme by the Federal Government to subsidize the cost of owning affordable houses by personnel should be instituted.
“I suggested a 10-year counterpart funding plan for all personnel to own a house in place of their choice could be a starting point. The recent effort of the Nigerian Army leadership to address the housing needs of serving personnel through the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Scheme should also be sustained.
“The Federal Government could establish foundations and encourage the private sector, philanthropists and other public-spirited individuals to donate to the cause of veterans with special needs. The Foundation could be managed and monitored by a Board with representation of veterans.”
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, pledged to judiciously manage funds allocated to the military.
He also promised to work towards restoring peace across Nigeria with the budgetary allocation.
Musa said, “We will judicially utilise the money allocated to us. We must put in the work to ensure Nigeria is peaceful.”
