By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian Legion on Wednesday nullified de-ranking of its Corps of Commissionaires and abolished related appointments approved at its 2025 National Council, pending the outcome of Ministry of Defence committee review.

The National Chairman of the legion, Ms Grace Henry, announced this in her welcome address at the 2026 National Council Meeting held at the DEPOWA Secretariat, Asokoro, Abuja.

Henry said decisions taken at the June 2025 council meeting under Retired Maj. Abiola, which upheld the earlier de-ranking and abolition of appointments, were now void.

She explained that the Ministry of Defence had set up a committee to examine the operations of the Corps of Commissionaires, stressing that any decision would await the committee’s recommendations.

The chairman also disclosed that a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ZIRCON Project Ltd to source local and international funds for veterans’ welfare had not been signed.

According to her, discussions on the MoU are ongoing, with experts invited to review the document before further action is taken.

Henry reaffirmed her vision to reposition the legion, saying her administration was committed to restoring dignity, pride and honour to both fallen heroes and living veterans.

She said several reforms had commenced since her appointment in June 2025, including the renovation of office facilities at the Legion House to reflect the status of the national leadership.

She revealed that partnerships with private organisations were being considered, including real estate development proposal on Legion Land, Plot 257, Institution and Research District, Lugbe, Abuja.

She said the developer, Global-Tech Service Ltd, alongside other organisations, would make presentations to the council for consideration before any agreement was finalised.

On the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, Henry commended state councils for successful commemorations but urged transparency in managing proceeds generated from the events.

She noted that N750 million in pledges made at the national level in 2025 remained largely unfulfilled, advising state chairmen to handle resources prudently to avoid litigation.

Henry proposed that a percentage of annual proceeds from the celebration be remitted to the National Headquarters to support administrative activities.

Addressing issues concerning military widows, she said the legion had resolved disputes among associations by consolidating them under the Military Widows Association (MIWA).

She disclosed that the legion paid outstanding dues of previously registered Wives of Fallen Heroes Association to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and initiated steps to rename it as MIWA.

According to her, elections for the national executive of MIWA are scheduled for Feb. 12.

Henry urged council members to engage in frank deliberations focused on improving veterans’ welfare and strengthening the legion’s institutional framework.

She reaffirmed the legion’s commitment to serving as true home for military veterans and safeguarding the interests of families of fallen heroes.

At the council meeting, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, were represented. (NAN)

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