By Chesa Chesa
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday launched the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance emblem with a donation of N18 billion for the Group Life Assurance benefits and other entitlements for families of fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The President launched the emblem appeal during a ceremony at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He assured them of his administration’s continued support for the nation’s Armed Forces by repositioning the forces.
The Nigerian leader emphasized that the goal of his administration is to create a safe environment, devoid of threats and criminal activities, giving opportunities for everyone living within the Nigerian borders to prosper and enjoy peace.
Tinubu also assured Nigerians that the government would continue to strengthen all Nigeria security agencies.
The President said: “I wish to assure Nigerians that we shall continue to strengthen all Nigeria security agencies. It is a commitment that we must take seriously. Our foremost objective is to provide a conducive environment free from threats and criminalities to enable all who reside within our borders to thrive and live in peace.”
President Tinubu further stated that normalcy is gradually returning to the worst affected parts of Nigeria, stressing that the gallantry and sacrifices exhibited by men and women of the Nigerian armed forces in the campaign of insurgency had made this possible.
“I am confident that we shall continue to battle and decisively defeat all the security challenges.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to our gallant troops, who have risen to the challenge of securing this great nation.
“In appreciation of the sacrifices of the men and women of our armed forces and to underscore this government’s commitment to their welfare, I have approved the sum of N18 billion for the payment of the Group Life Assurance benefits and other entitlements to the families of service members who lost their lives in the line of duty,” he said
President Tinubu was decorated with the redesigned emblem, as the Grand Patron of the Nigerian Legion before the commencement of the remembrance ceremony for the fallen heroes.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas pledged the sum of N60m on behalf of the National Assembly.
Abbas said that the ceremony depicts the commitment of the Nigerian government that it is conscious of the plight of the armed forces.
“This is the commitment we have always been asking for, that the government should do its part and the people should do theirs in ensuring that our soldiers wherever they are, we will be with them no matter the conditions they find themselves,” he stated.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, said the occasion would motivate and inspire the servicemen to do more for Nigeria.
He said; “it is only crucial for the government to honour and respect the fallen heroes, it will inspire the servicemen to do more knowing fully well that if they fall, we will cater for them.”
Senior Military officers, Ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and other senior government officials were also present at the event.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa also announced a donation of N50m on behalf of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Also, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume announced a donation of N40m on behalf of the members of the Federal Executive Council.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration which began October 25 would be concluded on January 15, 2024, with a wreath laying by the military and Heads of the three arms of government, the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.
