Buhari approves N134.7 billion for Military Veterans allowance, 2023 emblem appeal launch
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday approved N134.7 billion for the payment of Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) to all veterans.
In the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President addressed the unveiling of the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal fund.
In addition, he stated that the Federal Government would provide N10 million to the Nigerian Legion.
President Buhari pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to veterans’ welfare by assuring quick payment of their pension and other benefits, as seen by his approval of the payment of SDA to veterans beginning in 2017.
The President praised the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces to combat banditry, kidnappings, molestations, and the murder of innocent civilians, stating that these “foreign vices” are on the decline.
Normalcy is gradually returning to some affected areas of the country, he said, as a result of the systematic approach and intensifying military campaign to eliminate subversive elements involved in destructive activities such as “insurgency in the North East, militancy in the Niger Delta, and ethnic and religious tensions in some communities.”
He urged businesses to recognize the sacrifice of servicemen and valiant warriors by providing discounts and rebates on purchases and delivered services, stating that this would enhance the morale of members of the Armed Forces and assist them in carrying out their legal tasks.
President Buhari reaffirmed that he will pass on an insecure-free Nigeria to the next generation of leaders.
In light of the valour and sacrifices displayed by members of the Armed Forces in the struggle against insurgency and other Internal Security Operations, he expressed optimism that the nation will be returned to normalcy as we continue to combat resolutely all security threats.
The President stated that the 15th of January was chosen as Armed Forces Remembrance Day because it represented the conclusion of the Nigerian Civil War.
Therefore, he urged all citizens to desist from behaviours and remarks that undermine national unity and integration and instead engage in actions that unite the nation.
Senate President Ahmed Lawan, who also pledged a financial contribution to the Nigerian Legion on behalf of the National Assembly, praised the President for providing “maximum support” to the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The Minister of Defense, Major-General Bashir Magashi, vowed that the Ministry will continue to ensure the swift payment of entitlements and death benefits to the families of fallen service members.
Nonetheless, he urged well-intentioned corporations and non-governmental organisations to give widows and orphans of fallen heroes top priority.
At the Emblem Appeal Launch, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Lucky Irabor, pledged donations on behalf of the Armed Forces, the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba, pledged donations on behalf of the intelligence community, and the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, pledged donations on behalf of the Bankers’ Committee.
