By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has commended the Nigerian Legion for its unwavering commitment to the welfare of veterans.
Matawalle, represented by his Special Assistant on Technical Matters, retired Rear Adm. Atiku Abdulkadir, gave the commendation at the 62nd anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Legion in Abuja on Wednesday.
He described the legion as a vital institution dedicated to promoting the welfare of ex-servicemen and women, supporting families of fallen heroes and preserving the values of service, discipline, loyalty and sacrifice.
He said the legion had continued to serve as a bridge between veterans and society, ensuring that those who defended the nation were not forgotten.
According to him, since its establishment in 1964, the Nigerian legion has remained committed to the welfare of veterans and their families.
“As we celebrate this important milestone, we pay tribute to our veterans whose commitment and sacrifices have contributed immensely to the peace, security and unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We also honour the memories of the gallant men and women who paid the supreme price in service to our fatherland.”
The minister expressed delight that the anniversary celebration featured empowerment programmes for widows and veterans, as well as the presentation of certificates to beneficiaries who successfully completed courses through the Institute of Disaster Management and Safety Science.
He noted that the initiatives demonstrated the legion’s commitment to improving the lives of its members and beneficiaries while promoting self-reliance and resilience.
He congratulated the leadership and members of the legion on the anniversary and commended their steadfast dedication to veterans’ welfare.
Matawalle urged Nigerians and relevant stakeholders to continue supporting the legion in its efforts to cater for veterans and their families.
“Together, we can build a society that truly honours and cares for its veterans and their families,” he said.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the legion, Ms Grace Henry, said the anniversary was particularly significant as it also marked her first year in office as the first female veteran to lead the organisation since its establishment in 1964.
Henry said the legion had continued to evolve into a nationwide institution with structures across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
She said the legion had continued to play critical roles in veteran advocacy, welfare support, remembrance activities, youth development and community engagement.
According to her, the organisation remains committed to restoring the dignity, honour and welfare of military veterans as well as the families of fallen heroes.
“As part of activities marking the anniversary, the legion will empower 30 widows with grinding and tailoring machines, while 32 veterans will receive N100,000 each to support their livelihoods.”
She also reiterated the legion’s call 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 anniversary celebration also featured inaugural lecture and induction of veterans as Certified Disaster Safety and Emergency Managers, as well as distribution of relief materials to widows of fallen heroes.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited Deborah Coker
