The Nigerian Legion has empowered military veterans, widows of fallen soldiers and wounded-in-action personnel in its fourth empowerment programme under the leadership of its National Chairman, Ms Grace Morenike
The programme, held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, aimed at improving the welfare and economic well-being of veterans and their families through the provision of essential items, livelihood support and skills acquisition opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Ms Morenike said the Legion had recorded notable achievements since she assumed office, reaffirming its commitment “to promoting the dignity, welfare and economic independence of military veterans and families of fallen heroes.”
She disclosed that the Legion had entered into a collaboration with the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority for the establishment of an initiative expected to create employment opportunities for veterans and their children.
According to her, “the Legion had also recovered some of its properties in Lagos, while arrangements were ongoing for the development of the property through a partnership with Studio 24.”
She further revealed that Studio 24 had agreed to provide training in photography, videography and related skills for children of veterans and military widows, with opportunities for outstanding participants.
Ms Morenike said the Legion had also recovered land belonging to the organisation, which was previously threatened by encroachment, adding that the achievements reflected her determination to reposition the institution and improve the lives of its members.
She listed some of the empowerment items provided to beneficiaries to include grinding machines, branding machines, hair dryers, wheelchairs and food items, including bags of rice and other relief materials.
The National Chairman urged veterans to remain committed to supporting national security efforts, stressing that retirement from active military service should not prevent them from contributing to the safety and development of their communities.
In her remarks, the National President of the Nigerian Legion, Mrs Maria Emmanuel, commended Mrs Henry for sustaining welfare and empowerment programmes, describing the fourth edition as unprecedented in the history of the organisation.
She noted that previous empowerment interventions were usually organised once a year, particularly around Armed Forces Remembrance Day, but the current leadership had expanded the support to reach more veterans and widows.
Emmanuel urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items received to establish sustainable sources of income rather than remain dependent on assistance.
Also speaking, a representative of the veterans, retired Master Warrant Officer Miski, Chairman of the Ex-Military Association, Masaka, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for supporting initiatives aimed at improving veterans’ welfare.
He described Mrs Henry’s leadership as a source of renewed hope for veterans, noting that her administration had demonstrated commitment by translating promises into tangible benefits.
Similarly, a representative of the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Williams, commended the Nigerian Legion chairman for prioritising the welfare of veterans, widows and wounded personnel.
He said “the empowerment programme aligned with the Chief of Defence Staff’s Soldiers First philosophy, adding that General Olufemi Oluyede was also committed to improving veterans’ welfare through sensitisation and skills acquisition programmes across the six geopolitical zones”.
Williams encouraged the Legion to sustain the initiative, describing it as an important intervention in cushioning the economic challenges confronting retired military personnel and their families.
In his goodwill message, the representative of the Minister of Defence, retired Major General Garba Abdullahi, said General Christopher Musa (retd.) remained committed to the welfare of veterans and military widows.
He disclosed that the Minister had constituted a committee to review ways of improving veterans’ welfare, adding that the committee had visited all six geopolitical zones to engage veterans and document their concerns.
According to him, the committee had completed its assignment and prepared a report for submission to the Minister, expressing optimism that the recommendations would translate into improved welfare packages for veterans.
Abdullahi assured military widows that they had not been forgotten, while urging veterans to remain law-abiding and continue supporting the government.
Another highlight of the event was the induction of veterans as Certified Disaster Safety and Emergency Managers by the International Institute of Disaster Management and Safety Science.
The institute’s Director of Training for Veterans, Ambassador Dr Sa’ad Umar Farouk, said “the initiative was designed to equip retired military personnel with the knowledge and skills required to serve as community first responders during security threats, disasters and other emergencies”.
He disclosed that about 167 veterans were being inducted under the programme, with six participants physically present for the ceremony.
Farouk explained that “the training would enable veterans to remain relevant after retirement while complementing the efforts of government institutions in emergency response and community safety.”
The event brought together representatives of the Ministry of Defence, Defence Headquarters, military formations, veterans’ associations, military widows and other stakeholders.
