Buni Donates N35m to Nigeria Legion, Honours Fallen Heroes, Receives New Air Force Recruits

Buni Donates N35m to Nigeria Legion, Honours Fallen Heroes, Receives New Air Force Recruits

By Njadvara Musa, Damaturu
1st January, 2026

Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni on Wednesday launched the 2026 Emblem Appeal Week with a strong show of support for retired soldiers and families of fallen heroes, donating a total of N35 million to the Nigeria Legion in the state.

The donation comprised N30 million on behalf of the Yobe State Government and an additional N5 million personal contribution by the governor.

Governor Buni, while flagging off the appeal, paid glowing tribute to Nigerian soldiers who made ultimate sacrifices on the local, regional, and international fronts in defence of the nation’s peace, unity, and sovereignty. He described the fallen heroes as patriots whose courage and commitment laid the foundation for the security and freedom enjoyed across communities.

According to a statement by the Director General of Media and Press Affairs to the Governor, Mamman Mohammed, the occasion serves as a reminder of the immense role played by the Nigerian Armed Forces in confronting security challenges facing the country.

“Today reminds us of the enormous contributions made by our gallant soldiers in overcoming insecurity, including the Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality,” Mohammed said.

Reflecting on the sacrifices made on the frontlines, the governor noted with deep emotion that many soldiers lost their lives, while others sustained life-altering injuries in the course of defending Nigeria’s peace and unity.

“They paid the supreme price so that humanity can enjoy peace, security, and liberty in our various communities,” Buni said, adding that Nigerian troops have continued to make the country proud in international peacekeeping missions under the United Nations, ECOWAS, and other regional and global organisations.

The governor, therefore, appealed to individuals, corporate bodies, and organisations to generously contribute to the Emblem Appeal Fund to support veterans, widows, and the families of fallen heroes.

Meanwhile, in a related development, Governor Buni also received newly passed-out Nigeria Air Force recruits of Yobe State origin at the Government House, Damaturu.

He charged the young airmen to uphold discipline, professionalism, and loyalty to the nation, urging them to serve as worthy ambassadors for Yobe State wherever they were deployed.

“You should submit yourselves to the laws of your profession and be excellent ambassadors of Yobe State,” the governor advised.

The recruits, in their response, expressed gratitude to the state government for providing a solid educational foundation that contributed to their success. They assured the governor of their commitment to flying the Yobe State flag high and serving the nation with dedication and honour.