Bauchi Launches 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Raises Over N12m for Legion
By Mijinyawa Ahmed
The Bauchi State Government has formally launched the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration and Emblem Appeal Week, with a renewed call on Nigerians to support ex-servicemen and families of fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s unity and sovereignty.
Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by his Deputy, Auwal Jatau, made the call during the launching ceremony held in Bauchi. He paid glowing tribute to members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who fought gallantly during the two World Wars and the Nigerian Civil War, noting that their sacrifices laid the foundation for Nigeria’s continued existence as one indivisible nation.
The governor stressed that veterans and the families of fallen officers deserve sustained spiritual and material support, lamenting that many Nigerians have gradually forgotten the sacrifices made by these heroes.
He announced that while the Emblem Appeal Week was launched on the day of the event, the traditional wreath-laying ceremony would take place on January 15, 2026.
Governor Mohammed appealed to individuals, corporate organizations and the private sector to go beyond yearly donations by showing consistent interest in the welfare and daily activities of legionnaires.
He assured that the state government would continue to support members of the Nigerian Legion through employment opportunities in ministries, departments and agencies, as well as poverty alleviation and palliative programmes.
In a show of commitment, the governor announced donations totaling N12,340,000, including N1.5 million from himself and his family, N2.5 million from the Bauchi State Government, and various contributions from top government officials and institutions.
Earlier, the Bauchi State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Capt. Garba Itas (Rtd), commended the state government for fostering peace, development and an investor-friendly environment. He praised the administration’s infrastructural projects and pledged the continued support of military retirees in assisting the government on security matters.
Capt. Itas assured that all donations would be judiciously used for the welfare of legionnaires and widows, while appealing for additional support, including pilgrimage slots and the construction of a conference hall for the Legion.
