Governance
Dogara Salutes Nigerian Military on Army Remembrance Day
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), Rt. Hon.
Dogara described the Armed Forces as the backbone of Nigeria’s sovereignty, stressing that their sacrifices have preserved the unity of the country in the face of daunting challenges.
He emphasized that the Nigerian military has not only defended the country’s territorial integrity but has also represented Nigeria with honor in international peacekeeping missions across Africa and beyond. According to him, their service has earned Nigeria respect on the global stage and reinforced the nation’s commitment to peace and justice.
Dogara also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for introducing several reforms and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of fallen military heroes’ families and serving personnel. He noted that these measures reflect the government’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices of the Armed Forces with tangible support.
Among the key reforms highlighted were the approval and disbursement of ₦18 billion in Group Life Assurance benefits and other entitlements to families of service members who lost their lives in the line of duty; the inclusion of vulnerable veterans, widows, and dependents of fallen heroes in the National Social Register to benefit from Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) and other social intervention programs; and loan schemes and empowerment opportunities to help them start or expand small businesses.
Dogara pointed to the educational support announced for the families of the 17 soldiers killed in the Okuama community in Delta State, where President Tinubu granted full scholarships for all their children up to the university level. He further acknowledged reforms in pension and benefits management, including the clearance of outstanding pensions, modern verification through BVN and NIN integration, and exemptions of military pensions and death benefits from new tax laws.
He praised interventions in housing and healthcare, such as upgraded barracks, enhanced medical services, and expanded access to housing loans for military personnel. He also lauded the launch of a digital Veterans Databank and Call Centre to improve welfare coordination, as well as public engagement initiatives like the “Thank-A-Soldier Electronic Wall,” which allows citizens to express appreciation to the Armed Forces.
Offering prayers for the departed soldiers, Dogara asked God to grant them eternal rest, while also praying for comfort and provision for their families. He further prayed for protection and victory for serving personnel who continue to risk their lives in defense of the country.
Dogara called on Nigerians to recommit themselves to building a nation worthy of the sacrifices of its heroes, stressing that unity, justice, and prosperity are the true legacies of the military’s devotion. He maintained that remembrance should inspire collective responsibility to strengthen national cohesion and ensure that the blood shed by the country’s heroes was not in vain.
Army Remembrance Day, observed annually on January 15, honors members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who lost their lives in the line of duty, as well as veterans who served the country with distinction. The day is marked nationwide with solemn ceremonies, laying of wreaths, and tributes to the gallant men and women whose sacrifices continue to safeguard Nigeria’s peace and democracy.