Tinubu donates one year salary to Armed Forces in low key birthday
By Omolade Adegbuyi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced plans to donate his salary for one year to the Nigerian Armed forces
It was the first time a Nigerian President has offered such a gift. The President marked his 74th birthday on Monday amidst terrorism and banditry in some parts of the country, something he inherited from his predecessor.
Observers see the move as a symbolic jesture to appreciate members of the Armed Forces some of who have been killed by insurgents.
Tinubu is seeking re-election in the Presidential poll which comes January next year in a battle that see him negotiating from the position of strength.
32 of the country’s 36 State Governors are in the ruling All Progressives Congress, [APC], the platform on which Tinubu is expected to emerge as the flagbearer in Africa’s most populous country.
In a statement shared on his X account, which was monitored by irohinoodua, President Tinubu stated, “On this my 74th birthday, I celebrate the valiant men and women of our Armed Forces.”
Speaking further, he said “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 commitment, all my salaries since assuming office will be paid into this account as seed funding. 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. Details of the account will be made available in due course.”. Tinubu continued
President Tinubu, on December 2, 2025, launched the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem and appeal fund at the State House, Abuja, marking the start of activities ahead of the January 15 commemoration.
He donated ₦200 million towards the ₦320 million raised, unveiled the “Thank a Soldier” digital platform, and announced a Ministry of Defence programme to deploy retired military personnel to secure ungoverned areas.
President Tinubu opted for a low-key celebration of his birthday, citing the prevailing national mood and his administration’s ongoing economic reforms.
He has, however, received congratulatory messages from governors around the country.
