President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Wednesday launched the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance emblem in honour of the country’s fallen heroes, an annual event organised by the Nigerian Legion.
Speaking at the event which took place at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, the President said he has approved N18 billion for the Group Life Assurance benefits and other entitlements for the families of fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He assured of his administration’s continued support for the nation’s armed forces to enable them discharge their constitutional obligations
“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.
The President said the goal of the present administration was 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.
“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,” he said.
The President said normalcy was gradually returning to the parts of the country worst affected by security challenges, which he said was made possible by the gallantry and sacrifices exhibited by men and women of the Nigerian armed forces.
Also speaking, the Minister of Defence Mr Mohammed Abubakar Badaru said the occasion would motivate and inspire the current servicemen to do more for the coubtey and its people.
“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,” he said.
Also speaking, Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr Tajudeen Abbas said 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 in,” he said.
Fielding questions from State House correspondents, the Minister of Information and National Orientation Mr Mohammed Idris commended the President for approving N18 billion for the Group Life Assurance benefits and other entitlements for the families of fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He said the federal government would continue to honour soldiers and other security agents for their selfless service and sacrifice for the country and its people.
While launching the emblem and appeal fund, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr Tajudeen Abbas pledged the sum of N60 million on behalf of the National Assembly.
The Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa also announced a donation of N50 million on behalf of the service chiefs while the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Mr George Akume announced a N40 million donation on behalf of members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).