Tinubu Approves N18bn Life Policy For Families Of Ex-Service Men

Tinubu and top military officers during the launch of the Emblem and Appeal Fund for the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held at the presidential villa in Abuja.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved N18 billion for the payment of group life assurance benefits and other entitlements to the families of Nigeria’s fallen heroes.

The president announced the payment at the launch of the Emblem and Appeal Fund for the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held at the presidential villa in Abuja yesterday.

He said the gesture was meant to show appreciation for the sacrifices they (ex-servicemen) made for the nation and also demonstrate his government’s commitment to the welfare of the armed forces.

He said the money will also cater for the benefits and other entitlements to the families of service members who lost their lives in the line of duty.

“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 their group life assurance,” he said.

He called on businesses in the country to key to the patriotic spirit by supporting them in various ways, including giving them preferential treatment 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 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,” the president added.

He assured the armed forces that his administration would 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.”

Tinubu noted that the Defense Health Maintenance Ltd (DHML) was living up to its expectation in providing healthcare services to veterans.

“But we will do more. Equally important is the expansion of its services through the establishment of zonal and state offices and regular sensitisation programmes.

“As a government, we will continue to prioritise the provision of quality healthcare services to our esteemed veterans and citizens.”

He commended the Nigerian Legion, under the coordination and supervision of the ministry of defence.

“It continues to be a rallying point for veterans, to cater for the welfare of their ailing members.

“I enjoin the leadership of the Nigerian Legion to continue in this spirit and as its grand patron I wish to pledge my full support and that of the federal government.”

He also appreciated the state governors and patrons in their respective states, for the support they give to the Nigerian Legion and urged them not to relent, but to improve on their efforts.

Furthermore, he encouraged government agencies at the federal and state levels to continue to patronise the services of the Nigerian Legion in the provision of security and other administrative services.

“The potential of our ex-servicemen remains enormous and can indeed be tapped for national development.

“The emblem remains a symbol of remembrance and a beacon of hope for a peaceful future in this country.

“It is also our humble way of appreciating the veterans and the families of their fallen colleagues.

“I therefore wish to call on all Nigerians and non-Nigerians residing in the country, irrespective of their political affiliation or religious belief, to adorn the emblem with pride, and identify with those who laid down their lives for the peace and security of our dear country.”

Tinubu also encouraged donors to contribute generously and support veterans and families of fallen heroes.

The president 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 brought with the lives and blood of the fallen heroes.

“It has therefore fallen on us as a people to honour 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 must guard that unity jealously and sincerely”, he added.

For his part, the chief of defence staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, said the event signifies the concern and appreciation of the Tinubu government to the sacrifice of the Armed Forces.

“Because of their sacrifices, we have a lot of widows, a lot of orphans and those without breadwinners,” saying “this for us is significant because it tells us that we have not been forgotten.

“And then it also serves as a morale booster to those of them still in service that whatever it is that happens to you, the nation is solidly behind you,” he added.

Earlier in his speech, the minister of defence, Mr Abubakar Badaru, recalled the efforts so far made by the government to restore peace, order and security to every part of the country but regretted that in the process, many members of the armed forces lost their lives, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Nevertheless, he said “our armed forces are working in concert with other security agencies to restore normalcy to the Nigerian multifaceted security challenges.”

Source: Newsgazette.com.ng