President approves N18b assurance policy for families of fallen heroes

• Tasks business owners on discounts, rebates for military
• Launches 2024 Remembrance Day emblem appeal

President Bola Tinubu has approved N18 billion for Group Life Assurance benefits and other entitlements for families of fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Tinubu announced the approval, yesterday, during launch of the emblem appeal for the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the State House, Abuja.

The President also assured of his administration’s continued support to the nation’s military.

“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 N18 billion for the payment of Group Life Assurance benefits and other entitlements to the families of service members who lost their lives in the line of duty,” he said.

The President Bola also appealed to businesses owners 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 said: “It has fallen on us as a people to honour the memory of valiant officers, men and women who paid the supreme sacrifice and provide a decent and humane standard of care for all who have served our dear nation.”

As he launched the Remembrance Day emblem, he charged Nigerians, particularly dignitaries at the event, to “donate generously and support our veterans and dependents of fallen heroes”.

Earlier, Minister of Defense, Abubakar Badaru, disclosed efforts by the administration to restore peace and security to every part of the country, and the successes that have been achieved.

He added: “Faced with a myriad of security challenges, our armed forces are working in concert with other security agencies to restore normalcy to Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges. Regrettably, some of our gallant officers and men have paid the supreme sacrifice. Many have sustained varying degrees of injuries that have incapacitated them. Our service personnel and veterans deserve the best, and the best they will get.”