The Federal Government on Tuesday donated N500 million to the Nigerian Legion as part of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund Launch, held at the State House in Abuja. President Bola Tinubu praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their dedication to national security, acknowledging that without their stabilizing efforts, the administration’s reforms and economic policies would be ineffective.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, announced the donation, affirming the government’s commitment to supporting veterans and their families. “No matter what economic theory we propagate, if there is no security, we cannot promote peace and development,” President Tinubu remarked, stressing the importance of the armed forces as Nigeria’s “first line of defense.”

President Tinubu reaffirmed that the welfare of security personnel would remain a top priority for his administration and expressed gratitude to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for Nigeria’s unity and progress.

Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru highlighted the significance of the Appeal Fund, noting that it will fund essential services such as healthcare, education, and financial aid for veterans and their families. Retired Major General Abdulmalik Jibril, national chairman of the Nigeria Legion, thanked the President for the unprecedented support, stating, “Their families will not be left in the streets and will not be beggars.”

The event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas, service chiefs, and representatives of the Nigerian Legion.