President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, launched the emblem for the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, announcing his approval of N18 billion for the Group Life Assurance benefits and other entitlements for families of fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Speaking during the ceremony in the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, he vowed that the country would defeat all security challenges confronting it.
The President also promised that all security agencies would be repositioned to make them more efficient, even as he praised them for the successes they had recorded so far in the effort to secure the country.
Tinubu emphasised that the priority of his government was to provide a conducive environment free from all forms of threats for everyone to perform their legitimate activities in the country.
He called on businesses in the country to support the families of the fallen heroes by giving preferential treatment and offering discounts and rebates on goods and services to them.
The President stated: “I wish to assure Nigerians that my administration will continue to reposition and strengthen all Nigerian security agencies. It’s 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.
“For this reason, 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 love their lives in the line of duty.
“I also call on businesses to key into the patriotic spirit and support our service personnel, whether in the form of preferential treatment, discounts, or rebates on goods and services.”
He also noted that the men, women and officers of the armed forces had invested and sacrificed much to preserve the nation’s unity and charged all to see it as an obligation to jealously guard the unity bought with the lives and blood of the fallen heroes.
“It has therefore fallen on us as a people to honor the memory of the valiant officers, men and women who had paid the supreme sacrifice and to provide a decent and humane standard of care for all who have served our dear nation.
“The 15th day of January is symbolic because it marks the end of the Nigerian Civil War. The occasion gives us cause for reflection and reminds us of the price that has been paid for the continued unity of this country. As the beneficiary of that sacrifice, we have an obligation to guard that unity jealously and sincerely”, Tinubu said.
The president acknowledged the relief that the efforts of the security forces had brought to the nation, especially the most troubled parts.
He lauded the state governors for the support they had consistently given to the Nigeria Legion in their various states, even as he challenged federal and state government agencies and parastatals to continue to patronize the veterans and the families of their fallen comrades.
Speaking earlier, the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, noted the efforts so far made by the administration to restore peace, order and security to every part of the country and the successes that had been achieved.
He regretted that many members of the armed forces had lost their lives while others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Badaru said: “Faced with a myriad of security challenges in our Motherland, our armed forces are working in concert with other security agencies to restore normalcy to the Nigerian multifaceted security challenges.
“Regrettably, some of our gallant officers and men have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Many as well have also sustained varying degrees of injuries that have incapacitated them. Our service personnel and veterans deserve the best and the best they will get, we assure you.
“We promise to train and equip our Armed Forces personnel with combat capabilities and modern ways to reduce casualties during operations. Sir, we thank you for all the support as you have never turned down any of our requests.
“We also note with gratitude, that institutions that were hitherto closed in the Northeast have now been opened, after an objective assessment of the security situation. Those challenges will certainly and surely come to an end, very soon, owing to your avowed commitment and the renewed vigor of the Nigerian armed forces.”
The minister called on all citizens and organizations to join the efforts of the government to make life more meaningful for the families of the men and women who had made sacrifices for the peace and security of the country.
A total of N160 million donations were made during the emblem launch with the Federal Executive Council announcing N50 million and the Speaker, N60 million on behalf of the National Assembly.
The Chief of Defence Staff announced another N50 million on behalf of the armed forces.
