The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defence, has launched a digital platform, the “Thank A Soldier” QR Code, to enable Nigerians at home and abroad to send personalised messages of appreciation to serving troops and pay tributes to fallen heroes.
The initiative marks the beginning of activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD), aimed at honouring the sacrifices of military personnel and deepening public engagement with the Armed Forces.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, outlined the events lined up for the commemoration.
He said the activities would commence with the National Emblem Appeal Launch by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, November 27, 2025, followed by a Special Jumaat Service on Friday, January 9, 2026, and an Inter-Denominational Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
Other activities include a Humanitarian Outreach and Family/Community Day on Saturday, January 10, highlighting the military’s humanitarian contributions; a National Symposium and Lecture Series on Monday, January 12, themed “Securing Nigeria’s Future: The Armed Forces and National Development”; and a Gala and Fundraising Dinner on Tuesday, January 13, to support the Armed Forces Foundation.
The events will continue with a Medical Outreach and Free Day on Wednesday, January 14, and climax with the National Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the National Arcade, Abuja, on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Badaru also announced plans to constitute a committee to review the Nigerian Legion Act and rename it the Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN), as part of efforts to reform the structure and improve support for ex-service members.
“This critical reform will strengthen the legal framework for veterans’ benefits and reintegration programmes. In a demonstration of fairness and national reconciliation, the Ministry has successfully enrolled 2,141 Civil War
veterans who fought on the Nigerian side but retired before meeting pension requirements, ensuring that all sacrifices are duly recognised,” the minister said.
He added that healthcare support for veterans and serving personnel had been expanded through the Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML), which now serves over 400,000 enrollees, including more than 205,000 veterans and their families, ensuring access to comprehensive care across the country.
Badaru further noted the establishment of the Invictus Care Centre, a specialised medical facility for wounded personnel, and the ongoing upgrade of military hospitals nationwide.
He also highlighted the payment of ₦18 billion in Group Life Insurance benefits and the introduction of the Debarment Allowance, designed to uphold veterans’ welfare and prevent the misuse of their skills against national interests.
He revealed that veterans would soon benefit from additional digital innovations, including a Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre, to be launched as part of the AFCRD 2026 activities.
The platform, he said, will provide a central system for efficient service delivery, faster response to grievances, and targeted welfare support for retired and serving personnel.
