Tinubu Marks 74th Birthday With Donation of Presidential Salaries to Armed Forces Fund

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to donate all his salaries since assuming office in May 2023 to a newly created support fund for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, injured personnel and families of fallen Soldiers.

The President announced the gesture on Sunday March 29, as part of activities marking his 74th Birthday, describing it as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of military officers serving across the Country.

Tinubu said he had directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to immediately establish a special account that would serve as the Armed Forces Support Fund.

According to him, the fund is designed to provide direct assistance to Soldiers wounded in the line of duty, as well as widows, widowers and children of personnel who lost their lives while serving the Nation.

In a personally signed statement, the President said the initiative was necessary because members of the armed forces continue to risk their lives daily to protect Nigeria’s peace and security.

He stated that all the salaries he has earned since assuming office would be paid into the account as seed funding for the programme.

Tinubu said the contribution would be made regardless of the existing insurance and welfare arrangements already available to members of the military.

The President further appealed to State Governors, Members of the National Assembly, private sector organisations, friends and other well-meaning Nigerians to support the initiative financially once details of the account are released.

He stressed that taking care of Military personnel and their families should not be viewed as charity, but as a National duty owed to those who put their lives on the line for the Country.

“We must never forget those who stand in harm’s way for our peace, nor the sacrifices borne by their families. This is not charity; it is duty,” the President said.

The Presidency said further details regarding the management and operation of the fund would be made public in the coming days.