Former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has pledged to engage the Federal Government on key issues affecting military veterans in the country.
This is contained in a statement on Monday in Abuja, by the media officer of the legion, Mr David Oloriegbe,
Oloriegbe said that Abubakar’s assurance followed a briefing by the National Chairman of the Legion, Ms Morenike Henry, who led her management team on a visit to the former head of state in Abuja.
Abubakar promised to meet with the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff to discuss concerns raised by the legion, particularly on improving welfare and institutional support for veterans.
”We have all overlooked our responsibilities regarding the affairs of veterans. I will discuss with the Minister of Defence and engage him on all the points you have raised,” he said.
The former head of state also advocated greater financial autonomy for the legion, urging retirees to contribute towards the growth and sustainability of the group.
Earlier, Henry said the visit was part of ongoing efforts to reposition the organisation for efficient service delivery to legionnaires.
She said that her leadership was leveraging international experience to reform the organisation’s structure including the departmentalisation of its directorates along Army, Navy and Air Force lines for improved access to services.
According to her, the legion’s headquarters in Abuja has been renovated to a befitting standard, and partnerships are being sought to develop its land in the Federal Capital Territory.
Henry also highlighted major challenges facing veterans to include difficulty in accessing healthcare, as well as accommodation due to inadequate pension.
She appealed for reforms within the Ministry of Defence, including the appointment of a serving or retired military officer to head the Department of Joint Services.
According to her, this will help enhance the coordination of affairs of the veterans.
She also stressed the need for the country to establish a dedicated Ministry of Veterans Affairs, noting that Nigeria had more than 10,000 veterans requiring structured support.
In a related development, former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Tunde Akogun, commended the appointment of Henry as the first woman to lead the organisation and pledged his support.
His wife, Dr Tumini Akogun, also expressed willingness to collaborate with the legion, particularly through initiatives involving wives of retired military personnel.
The visit forms part of the legion’s broader engagement with key stakeholders to strengthen its operations and improve the welfare of veterans across the country.
