The National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Grace Morenike Henry, has stated explicitly that they strongly oppose the attempt to replace the Act establishing the Legion with the creation of the Veteran Federation of Nigeria for the general welfare of ex-servicemen in the country.

Henry, who spoke during the anniversary in Abuja, explained that they condemned the moves, advocating the amendment of the existing legislation and establishing a dedicated Ministry of Veterans Affairs in line with international best standards and practices.

“Legion celebrates its 62nd anniversary and uses the occasion to empower sixty-two persons as follows: thirty, 30, widows received grinding and sowing machines, while thirty-two army veterans were given the sum of N100,000 each to start business,” she added.

The National Chairman stated that though the Legion was established under the Act number 18 in 1964, “Today, we’ve made significant achievements, and more importantly, it marks my one year in office as Chairman of the National Council of Nigerian Legion.”

She explained that as the “First Female Veteran,” they have continued to serve retired military personnel, including families of fallen heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice for Nigeria, and so, we are celebrating 62 years of courage, commitment, and legacy of armed forces veterans.

According to her, the origin of the Nigerian Legion can be traced to the post-World War II era, when returning veterans of the British West African Frontier Force sought structured support systems for their welfare and reintegration into society.

She argued that, over the decades, the Legion has evolved into a nationwide institution with structures across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, playing an important role in veteran advocacy, welfare support, remembrance activities, youth development, and community engagement.

” My vision for the Nigerian Legion and Military veterans is to create a better life for them, restore respect, dignity, pride, and honour not only to the families of fallen heroes but to the living legendary veterans. Today, many of our colleagues are dying on the battle field living wives and children with little or nothing.”