President Tinubu has received praise for offering scholarships to the children of soldiers who were tragically killed by unknown attackers in Okuoma, Delta State last week.
In a statement released by the Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Ali Ndume, and shared with NewsNow in Abuja on Thursday, President Tinubu also pledged to provide homes for the families of the deceased military personnel.
This gesture is expected to boost the morale of other security personnel, as President Tinubu also honored all the fallen soldiers regardless of their ranks.
President Tinubu announced this initiative during the burial ceremony for the slain soldiers at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja on Wednesday.
The soldiers lost their lives on the 17th of March while on a peacekeeping mission to Okuama in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The fallen soldiers included A. Ali, a lieutenant colonel and team commander; SD Shafa and DE Obi, both majors; and U Zakari, a captain.
Also among those who perished were Yahaya Saidu, a staff sergeant; Danbaba Yahaya and Kabir Bashir, both corporals; Abdullahi Ibrahim, Bulus Haruna, Sole Opeyemi, and Bello Anas, all lance corporals.
Privates Alhaji Isah, Clement Francis, Abubakar Ali, Adamu Ibrahim, Hamman Peter, and Ibrahim Adamu were also among the fallen heroes.
President Tinubu announced that the four officers were posthumously honored with the Member of the Order of Niger (MON) accolade, while the 13 soldiers were awarded the Officer of the Federal Republic Medal.
In his remarks, President Tinubu recognized their selfless service, saying, “Each individual now joins the esteemed list of servicemen and women who defended our nation and safeguarded their fellow Nigerians, regardless of the peril to their own lives.”
Senator Ndume commended Tinubu for his actions, stating that by attending the soldiers’ funeral, the President exhibited patriotism.
He urged political leaders and Nigerians to set aside their differences and unite in honoring the fallen soldiers.
Ndume also appealed to the Chief of Defence Staff to follow Tinubu’s example and confer posthumous honors on the deceased soldiers as well.
Ndume expressed, “I applaud President Bola Tinubu for his presence at the Okuama soldiers’ funeral and for granting their children scholarships, along with providing homes for their surviving family members.
“Every Nigerian should laud this patriotic and respectful gesture. It couldn’t have been more deserved. Our Armed Forces are the vanguards of the Nigerian state and our ultimate defense against discord and lawlessness.
“I hope we can set aside our political disparities and stand united in honoring our fallen heroes.
“The Chief of Defence Staff should also posthumously bestow medals upon the departed soldiers for their valor and bravery in the line of duty.”