Abuja: The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has praised the Nigerian Legion for its commitment to the welfare of veterans. Represented by his Special Assistant on Technical Matters, retired Rear Adm. Atiku Abdulkadir, Matawalle spoke at the 62nd anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Legion in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Matawalle highlighted the legion’s role as a crucial institution dedicated to the welfare of ex-servicemen and women, supporting the families of fallen heroes, and upholding the values of service, discipline, loyalty, and sacrifice. He emphasized the legion’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between veterans and society, ensuring that the nation does not forget those who have defended it.
Matawalle noted that since its establishment in 1964, the Nigerian Legion has remained dedicated to the welfare of veterans and their families. He paid tribute to the veterans whose sacrifices have contributed to the peace, security, and unity of Nigeria and honored the memories of those who paid the ultimate price in service to the country.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the empowerment programs for widows and veterans featured in the anniversary celebration, along with the presentation of certificates to beneficiaries who completed courses through the Institute of Disaster Management and Safety Science. He pointed out that these initiatives demonstrate the legion’s commitment to enhancing the lives of its members and beneficiaries by promoting self-reliance and resilience.
Matawalle congratulated the leadership and members of the legion on the anniversary and urged Nigerians and relevant stakeholders to support the legion in its efforts to care for veterans and their families. “Together, we can build a society that truly honors and cares for its veterans and their families,” he stated.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the legion, Ms. Grace Henry, emphasized the significance of the anniversary, which also marked her first year in office as the first female veteran to lead the organization since 1964. Henry acknowledged the legion’s evolution into a nationwide institution with structures across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, playing critical roles in veteran advocacy, welfare support, remembrance activities, youth development, and community engagement.
She reiterated the legion’s commitment to restoring the dignity, honor, and welfare of military veterans and the families of fallen heroes. As part of the anniversary activities, the legion plans to empower 30 widows with grinding and tailoring machines, while 32 veterans will receive N100,000 each to support their livelihoods.
Henry also called for the amendment of the Nigerian Legion Act and the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Veterans Affairs to enhance the welfare and recognition of ex-servicemen and women in the country. The celebration included an inaugural lecture, induction of veterans as Certified Disaster Safety and Emergency Managers, and distribution of relief materials to widows of fallen heroes.