President Tinubu Establishes Welfare Fund for Military Personnel and Families
President Bola Tinubu has officially launched a dedicated welfare fund specifically designed to support wounded soldiers and the families of fallen heroes. In a significant personal commitment, the President has pledged to donate all his salaries earned since assuming office as the initial seed funding for this crucial initiative.
Birthday Announcement and National Obligation
The President announced the establishment of this fund on Sunday, March 30, 2026, to mark his 74th birthday. He described this practical step as a tangible way to honor the sacrifice, courage, and dedicated service of members of Nigeria's Armed Forces. Tinubu emphasized that caring for military personnel and their families represents a solemn national obligation that cannot be adequately addressed through existing welfare frameworks alone.
According to the President, supporting troops and their loved ones is not merely an act of charity but a fundamental duty owed to those who risk their lives in defense of the nation. He stressed that their immense sacrifices must be matched with dignity, comprehensive care, and sustained support from the entire country.
Operational Details and Call for Support
President Tinubu has directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to establish a special account for this welfare scheme. This dedicated fund will provide targeted support to personnel injured in the line of duty, as well as widows, widowers, and children of those who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending Nigeria's territorial integrity and security.
Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, released a statement quoting President Tinubu's explanation that his decision to donate his salaries underscores a personal commitment to ensuring that those who have borne the burden of the nation's security challenges are never forgotten or neglected.
The President issued a strong call to action, urging state governors, members of the National Assembly, the private sector, and all well-meaning Nigerians to support this vital fund. He noted that further details regarding the fund's administrative structure, operational mechanisms, and disbursement procedures would be unveiled in due course as the initiative develops.
Birthday Prayers and National Support
Meanwhile, prominent Islamic leaders and traditional rulers offered special prayers for President Bola Tinubu and the nation's peace and progress as he celebrated his 74th birthday. The prayer session, held at the National Mosque in Abuja, was led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa'ad Abubakar, who was represented by the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar.
The gathering attracted numerous emirs, Islamic scholars from across Nigeria, governors, ministers, political leaders, and worshippers. The focus remained on supplications for divine guidance, wisdom, good health, and strength for the President as he continues to lead the country through various challenges.
President Tinubu arrived at the mosque shortly after 3:00 pm, where he joined the special prayers and later observed the Asr prayer with Muslim faithful before departing. The Etsu Nupe described the occasion as a solemn spiritual exercise rather than a celebration, emphasizing the continued need for sustained prayers for national peace, unity, and development.
During the event, the Emir of Keffi, Chindo Yamusa, commended President Tinubu's ongoing efforts to address economic challenges and support subnational governments. He noted that interventions in salary payments and infrastructure development were already yielding positive outcomes, particularly in states like Nasarawa.
The Islamic leaders also appealed for greater government support for the maintenance and upkeep of the National Mosque as a central place of worship and national significance.
