President Bola Tinubu has approved N18 billion for the Group Life Assurance benefits and other entitlements for families of fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The president announced the approval, yesterday, during the launch of the emblem appeal fund for the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the presidential Villa.
President Tinubu also assured his administration's continued support to the nation's armed forces by repositioning the forces and ultimately providing a safe and conducive country for all who have found home within the Nigerian borders.
President Tinubu also called on businesses in the country to key into the patriotic spirit by supporting them in various ways, including giving them preferential treatments.
and offering them discounts and rebates on goods and services.
"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 lost their lives in the line of duty," he said.
He, however, acknowledged the significant relief that the relentless efforts of the security forces have brought to the nation, especially the most troubled parts, further expressing his confidence that Nigeria will steadily defeat its security challenges.
Earlier, the minister of defence, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru, recapped the various efforts so far made by the administration to restore peace, order and security to every part of the country and the successes that have been achieved.
He however noted, sadly, that in the process, many members of the armed forces had lost their lives.
Speaking with State House correspondents after the ceremony, the speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas; minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; the chief of defence staff, General Christopher Musa; and the national chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Major General Abdulmalik Jubril (rtd), all expressed delight in the attention being given to the veterans and the fallen heroes, saying it would serve as a morale booster for the serving members of the armed forces.
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According to Speaker Abbas, "If we continue on this lane of supporting the families of the deceased, it will in more ways increase the commitment of our armed forces wherever they are. A lot of people are worried today, particularly the soldiers; what happens to my family if I'm no longer there."
While the secretary to the government of the federation, Senator George Akume, announced the sum of N40 million on behalf of the Federal Executive Council, which was later reviewed upwards by the president to N50 million, the speaker announced N60 million on behalf of the National Assembly and the chief of defence staff announced another N50 million on behalf of the armed forces.
The event was attended by members of the Federal Executive Council and other senior government officials.
