About 600 widows and 20 physically challenged military veterans have benefited from a palliative distribution by the Nigerian Legion, Lagos State Council, funded by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The items, which included bags of rice, educational materials, and cash gifts, were distributed on Tuesday during the Lagos Legion Day celebration held at the Multi-Agency Office Complex Hall in Oshodi, Lagos State.

Widows under the Widows of Military Fallen Heroes Association and the Military Widows Association commended the Nigerian Legion for distributing the governor’s gifts to them.

Physically challenged and elderly military personnel also expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the Lagos Legion Council, Mr Akeem Wolimoh, for ensuring inclusiveness in the sharing of the items.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Waidi Shaibu, represented by the Director, Veteran Health, Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen Edet Effiong, urged veterans to remain physically active in retirement to promote healthy blood circulation and prevent joint-related ailments associated with ageing.

He also advised them to use the Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML) to ensure access to healthcare services for themselves and their families.

Wolimoh disclosed that Sanwo-Olu recently donated 500 bags of rice and pledged N100 million to the council to support its activities.

He said the food items and educational materials procured from the pledge would help meet the needs of widows and other members.

The chairman added that the council had introduced an initiative to provide annual educational support funds to 25 students from the Nigerian Legion.

Coordinator of Widows of Military Fallen Heroes Association, Esther Leko, said life had been challenging since the loss of her husband, particularly in meeting food, school fees and other household expenses.