The Presidency has announced the historic appointment of Ms Grace Morenike Henry as the new Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the appointment, marking a significant milestone as Ms Henry becomes the first woman and the first non-commissioned officer to lead Nigeria’s foremost veterans’ organisation.
Spokesperson for the Nigerian Legion, Abdul Lauya, disclosed the appointment in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to the statement, the appointment takes effect from 7 June 2025 and was conveyed via a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
Born on 5 October 1964, Ms Henry retired from the Nigerian Army in 2000 after over 25 years of distinguished service. Until her appointment, she served as Director of Corporate Affairs at the Legion Headquarters in Abuja and currently holds the position of National Coordinator of Female Military Veterans of Nigeria.
She succeeds Major General AbdulMalik Jibrin (rtd). Her appointment has been widely regarded as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to gender equality and inclusiveness within the veterans’ community.
President Tinubu expressed confidence in Ms Henry’s leadership and urged her to apply her extensive experience to reposition the Nigerian Legion, which remains a vital support structure for the nation’s ex-servicemen and women.
Lauya added that her appointment signals a new era of reform and revitalisation for the Legion, particularly at a time when calls for improved veteran welfare and institutional renewal continue to grow.
Established by law, the Nigerian Legion is tasked with promoting the welfare of ex-servicemen and their dependants, particularly those who served in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Its core responsibilities include supporting rehabilitation, reintegration, and economic empowerment of veterans; promoting patriotism through national remembrance activities; and collaborating with government bodies and civil society to uphold the dignity of retired military personnel.
The Legion also participates in security-related services, advocacy, and public awareness to enhance the visibility and contributions of veterans in Nigeria’s development.