By Desire Emmanuel
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday night announced that he had ordered all his salaries since assuming office in 2023 to be donated the new Armed Forces Welfare Fund to mark his 74th birthday.
The president said this in a statement, while adding that he had directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to immediately establish a special account for the fund.
He also urged state governors, members of the National Assembly, the private sector, his friends and all well-wishers to support this initiative and donate to the fund.
Tinubu, in the statement posted on his X handle declared: “On this my 74th birthday, I celebrate the valiant men and women of our Armed Forces.
“Today, I have directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to establish a special account for a fund dedicated to those who serve, those wounded in the line of duty, and the families of those who have paid the ultimate price.
“As a personal commitment, all my salaries since assuming office will be paid into this account as seed funding, irrespective of existing insurance and welfare schemes for members of our armed forces.
“This fund will directly support those who have lost their limbs, and the widows, widowers, and children of those who laid down their lives in service to our dear country.
“I call on our governors, members of the National Assembly, the private sector, my friends and all well-wishers to support this initiative. Details of the account will be made available in due course.”
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. And we will fulfil it.”
