In a significant gesture marking his 74th birthday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the donation of his entire presidential salary accrued since taking office. The funds are dedicated to supporting Nigeria’s Armed Forces, with a specific focus on wounded personnel and the families of soldiers who have died in service.
The President disclosed this initiative in a personally signed statement, framing the donation as a core component of efforts to strengthen welfare provisions for military personnel. He has directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to establish a dedicated account to manage the contributed salaries. The primary aim of the fund is to formally recognize the profound sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces and to provide tangible support for those injured and for the families of the fallen.
President Tinubu emphasized that supporting military personnel and their families is a fundamental national responsibility. He extended a call to action, urging state governors, members of the National Assembly, private sector leaders, and other key stakeholders to contribute to and support the dedicated fund. This appeal for broader societal involvement comes as the nation continues to reflect on the security apparatus. In a similar vein, the police insist no compromise on community safety, while the state of Lagos insists no lapse in its own security preparedness, underscoring a unified front.
The establishment of this fund adds to existing support measures for military families. For instance, the Nigerian Air Force, under Chief of the Air Staff Hassan Abubakar, has a policy allowing families of personnel lost in active service to continue receiving the deceased’s salary for up to twelve months or until all death benefits are fully processed. These institutional and personal donations highlight a concerted, though evolving, approach to welfare.
Concluding his birthday message, President Tinubu thanked Nigerians for their continued goodwill, prayers, and support, stating that such encouragement fortifies his administration’s resolve. The donation of his salary stands as a symbolic and substantive act aimed at honoring those who serve.
