The Nigerian Legion has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare and reintegration of retired military personnel, urging the Federal Government to establish a dedicated Ministry of Veterans Affairs to coordinate welfare programmes and policies for retired military personnel.

The Legion also appealed to Nigerians to recognise veterans as national assets whose sacrifices deserve support and respect.

Speaking at the 62nd anniversary of the Legion, its National Chairman, Grace Morenike Henry, said “the nation that forgets those who sacrificed for her will not move forward.”

She said the organisation is intensifying efforts to restore dignity, improve healthcare access, 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” aimed at providing affordable housing for retired military personnel across the country.

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 benefitted from empowerment initiatives, with 20 receiving grinding machines and another 20 receiving sewing machines, alongside 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 NGOs.

“There are also other medical NGOs that have approached the Nigerian Legion and we are presently 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 government area.

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

“The Ministry of Defence has set up a committee on this, and I would not want to say anything further on that,” she stated.

Despite the organisation’s efforts, Henry identified inadequate funding as the major challenge confronting the Nigerian Legion.

She explained that the organisation currently depends largely on proceeds from the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal Fund, which she described as insufficient.

“The most challenging obstacle for the Nigerian Legion is finance,” she said, calling for deliberate government policies to strengthen the organisation financially and ensure greater operational autonomy.

The Nigerian Legion was established in 1964 as a statutory body for ex-servicemen to provide welfare support, facilitate reintegration into civilian life, and support widows and families of fallen heroes.

Retired Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Comfort Victory Bassey described the organisation as a valuable support system for veterans transitioning into civilian life.

“The Legion offered guidance on accessing entitlements and benefits and served as an advocacy platform for our welfare,” she said.

Bassey added that the organisation continues to provide welfare checks, interventions and platforms that help veterans remain active and valued members of society.