Funmi Lawrence
The Nigerian Legion says ongoing reforms in the organisation is geared toward the betterment of legionaries and the families of fallen heroes.
Mrs Morenike Henry, Director, Corporate Affairs, Nigerian Legion (NL) made this disclosure at a special service to commemorate the 2021-Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) held at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja on Monday.
Mr Henry David, a Principal Information Officer, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing made this known in a statement to newsmen
According to the statement Henry said the present management of the NL led by the National Chairman Brig.-Gen. Adakole Akpa (Rtd) has introduced a lot of reforms that are consistent with accelerated development and inclusiveness among the three services.
“The desire to make NL a non –service dominated or Army dominated establishment prompted the continuous nomination of other services, in line with the objective of the Legion to constitute in a democratic and non –sectarian manner.
“An association of persons who have served in the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air force to ensure that the association shall not be affiliated to or connected directly or indirectly with any political party or other political organisation.’’
She explained that NL was for all ex-service men and that they needed not to have served for a particular number of years to be regarded as a Legionnaire, neither did they have to qualify for pension to be regarded as a member of the NL
She clarified that no dues must be paid to qualify as a member, while she encouraged potential members to log on and register on the NL platform.
‘The Headquarters of Nigerian Legion has been organised into five (5) functional directorates to take care of the expectations of veterans and families of the dead heroes.
“We partner with notable initiative that benefits veterans and families. On 12th October 2020, the Defence Headquarters launched the Military Widows Association (NIWA) and the NL supported and participated in the successful outing of this initiative, “she said.
The director added that in line with the function and act of NL to ensure that decent employment was given to would be interested veterans, the NL kept going into partnerships with various private driven organisations.
Henry said many of such partnerships had already began and would soon be felt by veterans had promised to give up to 40 percent strength in their organisation to Legionnaires.
She disclosed that Nigerian Legion through its establishment act has the power to canvass for and collect donations on any occasion , especially during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations and monies realised at any time would be utilised for its intended purpose.
