President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the creation of a special welfare fund for Nigerian military personnel and their families, announcing that all his salary earnings since taking office will serve as seed funding for the initiative.
Tinubu made the announcement in a statement on X on Sunday, which marks his 74th birthday, directing the Accountant-General of the Federation to establish a dedicated account for the fund.
The president said the fund would provide direct financial support to wounded soldiers, as well as the widows, widowers, and children of military personnel killed in active service — separate from existing insurance and welfare arrangements for armed forces members.
Tinubu also called on state governors, members of the National Assembly, the private sector, and individuals to contribute to the fund, adding that account details would be released in due course.
The statement reads, “On this my 74th birthday, I celebrate the valiant men and women of our Armed Forces.
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“Today, I have directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to establish a special account for a fund dedicated to those who serve, those wounded in the line of duty, and the families of those who have paid the ultimate price.
“As a personal commitment, all my salaries since assuming office will be paid into this account as seed funding, irrespective of existing insurance and welfare schemes for members of our armed forces. This fund will directly support those who have lost their limbs, and the widows, widowers, and children of those who laid down their lives in service to our dear country.
“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.
“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.”