Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), has joined millions of Nigerians in paying tribute to the nation’s Armed Forces as the country marks Army Remembrance Day.
Dogara described the day as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by gallant men and women who laid down their lives to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and preserve its unity. He said the courage and resilience of the military remain unmatched, noting that their devotion has ensured that Nigeria continues to stand as one indivisible nation despite daunting security challenges.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for rolling out reforms and welfare initiatives targeted at improving the lives of fallen heroes’ families and serving personnel. According to him, the government’s approval and disbursement of ₦18 billion in Group Life Assurance benefits and entitlements to families of deceased service members is a clear demonstration of gratitude for their sacrifice.
Dogara also highlighted the inclusion of widows, dependents, and vulnerable veterans in the National Social Register to benefit from Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) and other empowerment programs. He noted that these initiatives, including loan schemes and business support, are helping families rebuild their lives.
He praised the educational scholarships announced for the children of the 17 soldiers killed in Okuama, Delta State, describing the gesture as a lasting investment in the future of those families. He further acknowledged reforms in pension management, the exemption of military pensions and death benefits from new tax laws, and the modernization of verification systems through BVN and NIN integration.
Dogara pointed to ongoing interventions in housing and healthcare, including upgraded barracks and expanded access to housing loans, as well as the launch of a digital Veterans Databank and Call Centre to improve welfare coordination. He also welcomed public engagement initiatives such as the “Thank-A-Soldier Electronic Wall,” which he said fosters national appreciation for the Armed Forces.
Offering prayers, Dogara asked God to grant eternal rest to departed soldiers, comfort their families, and protect those still serving in battlefields across the country. He urged Nigerians to recommit themselves to unity, justice, and peace, stressing that remembrance must inspire collective responsibility to build a nation worthy of the sacrifices of its heroes.
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.
