The Nigerian Legion has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare and reintegration of retired military personnel as it marks its 62nd anniversary.

Speaking on the anniversary, the National Chairman of the Legion, Grace Morenike Henry, said the organisation is intensifying efforts to restore dignity, improve access to healthcare, provide affordable housing, and strengthen welfare support for veterans and widows of fallen soldiers.

Henry disclosed that plans are underway to establish a “Veterans Estate Project” to provide affordable housing for retired military personnel nationwide.

She also said the Legion is collaborating with Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML) and other healthcare partners to improve access to medical services for ageing veterans.

According to her, the organisation has already implemented several empowerment programmes targeted at widows of fallen soldiers.

“In November and December 2025, I shared palliatives with some widows to support them during the Christmas and New Year celebrations,” she said.

She added that about 40 widows benefited from empowerment initiatives, with 20 receiving grinding machines and 20 receiving sewing machines, along with food items and cash support.

Henry further revealed that additional empowerment support would be provided to 62 widows and veterans as part of activities commemorating the Legion’s 62nd anniversary.

The chairman noted that the organisation is also exploring agricultural initiatives for veterans through cooperative farming schemes. She explained that the Legion is currently working to recover lands belonging to the organisation across several states to support the initiative.

On healthcare, Henry stressed that ageing veterans require structured and long-term medical support, adding that the Legion is considering partnerships with additional medical organisations and Non-Governmental organisations (NGOs).

“There are also other medical NGOs that have approached the Nigerian Legion, and we are currently considering how to partner with them,” she said.

The Legion is also seeking ways to reposition retired military personnel as contributors to national security and economic development.

According to Henry, retired military personnel remain one of the country’s largest organised groups, with veterans present in virtually every local council area.

She said government institutions could leverage their experience to strengthen community safety and security operations nationwide.