The Nigerian Legion has reiterated its commitment to the welfare of military veterans and the preservation of Nigeria’s military heritage as it commemorates its 62nd anniversary with a series of activities designed to honour the sacrifices and service of ex-servicemen and women across the country.
The National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Grace Morenike Henry, Speaking during the anniversary celebration and inaugural lecture of the Nigerian Legion, reflected on the organisation’s journey over the past six decades and her first year in office as Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion.
According to her, the Nigerian Legion, established under Decree No. 18 of 1964, as amended, has remained steadfast in promoting patriotism, national unity, and the welfare of veterans and their dependants across the country.
Ms Henry expressed gratitude to Almighty God for His grace and acknowledged the support of the Federal Government and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in advancing the welfare of ex-servicemen and women.
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She particularly appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Grand Patron of the Nigerian Legion and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for appointing her as the first female veteran to serve as National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion.
Paying tribute to fallen heroes, the National Chairman said that “their courage, patriotism, and selfless service to the nation would never be forgotten”, while reaffirming the Legion’s commitment to supporting their families.
As part of efforts to improve veterans’ welfare, Ms Henry announced several empowerment initiatives by the National Headquarters.
She disclosed that 32 widows of fallen heroes would be empowered through various support programmes, while 15 beneficiaries would receive grinding machines to promote economic self-reliance.
Additionally, 82 male and female veterans are to receive grants of One Hundred Thousand Naira (₦100,000) each to support their businesses and improve their standard of living.
The National Chairman also commended the collaboration between the Nigerian Legion and the Institute of Disaster Management and Safety Science for providing professional courses to veterans at no cost to the Legion.
She noted that the initiative was designed to equip veterans with critical knowledge and skills required to respond effectively to emergencies and contribute to community safety.
Addressing security concerns in the country, Ms Henry urged veterans to continue supporting government efforts to maintain peace and security across communities.
“Once a soldier, always a soldier,” she said, calling on veterans to remain ambassadors of peace and security wherever they may be.
The event also featured a goodwill message from the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, represented by Rear Admiral Abdulkadir A. S.
In his address, the Minister congratulated the leadership and members of the Nigerian Legion on their remarkable achievements and commended their unwavering dedication to veterans’ welfare and the preservation of the organisation’s noble traditions.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting veterans in recognition of their invaluable contributions to national peace and security.
The anniversary celebration, themed “62 Years of Courage, Commitment and Legacy of the Nigerian Armed Forces”, brought together senior military officers, veterans, widows of fallen heroes, government officials and stakeholders from across the country.
As part of the ceremony, the Institute of Disaster Management and Safety Science inducted new members and presented certificates of recognition to participants in acknowledgement of their successful completion of training programmes.
At the end of the event, widows and retired officers were empowered with various support items, including grinding machines, sewing machines and cash rewards aimed at improving their livelihoods and promoting self-reliance.
