President Bola Tinubu has emphasized his administration’s dedication to winning the nation’s war on insecurity.
At the Regimental Dinner Night held in Abuja on Monday in honor of Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, the President made this pledge.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his willingness to provide the military with the tools it needs to eradicate all security threats in the nation, as represented by Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
He said that those who gave their lives to protect the country would always be remembered and praised the military’s professionalism and tenacity in the fight against insurgency.
He said: “This gathering emphasizes 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.”
President Tinubu was further quoted as saying in a statement by Chief Press Secretary to Deputy Speaker Levinus Nwabughiogu, “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 prioritize the welfare and well-being of our armed forces personnel.”
We will make sure they have the tools and assistance they need to do their jobs well.
Additionally, President Tinubu commended notable officers who were honored by Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defense Staff.
The Kano State Government has given N10 million to the state’s fallen heroes in honor of Armed Forces Remembrance Day this year.
Kabir Yusuf, the governor of Kano, gave N2 million personally to help the state government.
The governor expressed gratitude for the deceased heroes’ sacrifice at the event on Monday at Coronation Hall, Government House Kano, through Director-General, Special Services, AVM Ibrahim Umaru (retd.).
Additionally, he commended the forces that are actively fighting terrorism, insurgency, and armed banditry in various regions of the nation as well as internal security operations.
The governor informed the populace that the state administration is prepared to keep putting the safety of the state’s citizens’ lives and property first.
N300,000 was donated personally by AVM Umaru (retd.), Director-General, Special Services.
The Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Navy each contributed N500,000 during the appeal, with the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Service contributing N250,000.
Additional N100,000 was contributed by the Nigeria Immigration Service, NSCDC, and Brig Gen. Gambo Ahmad Mai Adu’a (rtd), Commandant of the State Taskforce on Drug Abuse and Phone Snatching.
Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State, praised the bravery, commitment, and sacrifice of the late firefighter Andrew Omotor, who died while performing his duties.In a statement, Fred Itua, the governor’s chief press secretary, cited the governor as promising the family the assistance they would require to get through their trying time.
To boost the morale of active-duty members, former Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd) has advocated for tailored assistance programs for injured and disabled military veterans.
Additionally, he promoted tax and appreciation refunds for veterans in the nation on public transit and local aircraft.
During Tuesday’s 2025 Armed Forces Celebration, Remembrance Day Lecture, and Art Exhibition in Abuja, Irabor made this statement.
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.
Along with calling for a comprehensive healthcare program for veterans, Irabor also noted that, in contrast to inflationary trends, the quality of life for veterans has been declining daily.
He asserts that when healthcare-related concerns are linked to a veteran’s disposable income, the timely payment of financial benefits is insignificant.
He claimed that numerous illnesses and medical situations were not covered by the present Defense Healthcare Insurance coverage for soldiers, making it insufficiently broad.
He suggested creating a special-purpose company to offer veterans complete medical care, especially as inflation reduces their disposable cash.
Additionally, he advocated for the creation of foundations and an affordable housing program 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.”
Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defense Staff, promised to use military funds wisely.
Additionally, he pledged to use the budgeted allocation to work toward reestablishing peace throughout Nigeria.
He said, “We will judicially utilise the money allocated to us. We must put in the work to ensure Nigeria is peaceful.”