President Bola Tinubu has announced the creation of a welfare fund for members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces as part of activities marking his 74th birthday.

The initiative is aimed at supporting soldiers currently in service, those injured during operations, and families of officers who lost their lives while serving the country.

The President directed the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to open a special account for the fund.

The account will serve as a central pool for funds, used to assist affected personnel and their dependents.

As part of the move, Tinubu said all the salaries he has received since he assumed office in May 2023 will be paid into the fund as the starting contribution.

The money is expected to support soldiers who suffered serious injuries, including those who lost body parts, as well as families left behind by fallen officers.

The fund will work alongside existing welfare and insurance arrangements for military personnel, with a focus on direct support for those most affected by service-related risks.

The President also appealed to state governors, members of the National Assembly, private organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to contribute to the fund once the account details are released.

He explained that the decision is based on the need to take care of those who risk their lives daily and the families who bear the burden when tragedy occurs.