The Nigerian Legion National Chairman, Ms. Grace Henry, has called on veterans to take active roles in community security as the organisation empowered 40 widows of fallen heroes with tailoring and grinding machines.
Henry made the call on Monday in Abuja during an empowerment programme and the induction of ex-servicemen into the Institute of Disaster Management and Safety Sciences (IDMSS).
She said the initiative reflects her vision to restore dignity to veterans and families of military personnel who lost their lives in active service.
According to her, the empowerment and induction programme represents a dual strategy aimed at addressing welfare gaps while also contributing to national security.
“Today, we are gathered here to empower about 40 widows. Twenty widows will receive grinding machines, while another 20 will receive tailoring machines and other palliatives,” she said.
She acknowledged that the number was modest compared to the population of veterans and widows but assured that the programme would be sustained and expanded to reach more beneficiaries.
On the training of veterans, Henry explained that the collaboration with IDMSS was designed to equip ex-servicemen as safety managers to strengthen community security.
She noted that the free courses offered by the institute would prepare them to respond effectively to emergencies and unforeseen incidents.
“Many of our colleagues and husbands have died in the battlefield, leaving their wives and children with little or nothing.
It is the duty of each and every one of us to support the families of fallen heroes,” she said.
Henry disclosed that the Nigerian Legion currently operates without statutory funding but is engaging stakeholders to secure both government and private sector support.
She added that improved funding would significantly enhance the organisation’s capacity to support veterans and widows of fallen heroes.
The chairman congratulated veterans who completed the IDMSS training and were inducted as safety managers, urging them to align with the Federal Government’s security agenda.
“It is no longer time to play the ‘I don’t care’ role in security.
Remember, it is said: once a soldier, always a soldier. Let us be soldiers indeed, anywhere, anytime,” she said.
She also noted that the Legion is adopting international best practices to improve its relevance to all veterans of the Armed Forces.
Henry expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) for their support to veterans nationwide, saying their guidance has strengthened the Legion as a home for ex-servicemen.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, also commended the contributions of ex-servicemen and women to national peace, unity, and stability.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Maritime Security, Hassanah Imran, Matawalle said the Nigerian Legion plays a vital role in internal security support, community engagement, remembrance activities, and youth mentorship.
“Your presence across the federation continues to highlight the enduring relevance of veterans in nation-building,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Legion, particularly in veterans’ welfare, capacity building, economic empowerment, and institutional development.
“Government remains mindful of the challenges facing veterans and is working closely with relevant stakeholders to enhance welfare frameworks and sustainable support systems,” he added.
Also speaking, the President of IDMSS, Prof. Mala Daura, represented by Hajiya Hauwa Abdullahi, said the induction programme is part of broader national efforts to strengthen security and development.
“By empowering you, we strengthen our communities. By supporting you, we support national security, national development, and all activities of government directed toward the common good,” she said.
Dignitaries at the event included representatives of the Minister of Defence, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), service chiefs, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), among others.
