The Nigerian Legion has successfully trained, inducted 283 military veterans in Disaster and Safety Management while empowering 40 widows of fallen heroes with grinding and tailoring machines.
The dual ceremony took place on April 27, 2026, at the Legion House in Abuja was attended by the representatives of the Service Chiefs and other top government officials.
The event marked the graduation of the veterans who completed a professional training program at the Institute of Disaster Management and Safety Sciences (IDMSS) in Abuja.
The certificates in disaster management were presented to the graduates, while vocational equipment was distributed to widows as part of broader welfare and reintegration efforts.
These initiatives are part of the ongoing efforts by the leadership of the Nigerian Legion, under the chairmanship of Ms. Grace Morenike Henry, to enhance the welfare of families of fallen military personnel.
The empowerment programs aim to help widows achieve self-reliance and economic independence, thereby improving their livelihoods and long-term stability.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Henry emphasized that the disaster management and empowerment programs are part of her vision to transform the Nigerian Legion.
“Our goal is to create a better life for veterans, restore respect, dignity, pride, and honor to the families of fallen heroes, and support living legendary veterans,” she said.
She added that the induction of military veterans as certified safety managers equips them with the technical knowledge and practical skills to address and mitigate both natural and human- induced disasters in their communities.
Ms Henry expressed gratitude to IDMSS for collaborating with the Nigerian Legion on the training initiative.
She also called on government, private sector, and other stakeholders to support the Legion in fulfilling its mandate of providing welfare for veterans and families of fallen heroes.
She pledged that the Legion will continue to adopt international standards and best practices to further improve the welfare of Armed Forces veterans. Ms Henry also thanked President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, Service Chiefs, and other stakeholders for their unwavering support towards military veterans and wisdoms of fallen heroes.
Representing IDMSS President Professor Mala Daura, the Director of Early Warnings and Disaster Management.
Mr Isaac George, described the veterans as now certified disaster, safety, and emergency managers. He highlighted that the veterans’ dual mandate is to serve as community resilience professionals, applying specialized knowledge in the service of the nation.
He emphasized that discipline, courage, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment core military values are essential qualities for disaster management.
“Your oath to serve does not end with the uniform. As you step into your roles as community first responders, you extend your legacy of service into every street, village, and city across Nigeria,” he said.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, represented by his Special Adviser on Maritime Security, Mrs Hassana Umar, praised the Nigerian Legion for its empowerment programs and capacity-building initiatives. He noted that these efforts align with the renewed hope agenda of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which focuses on improving the welfare of Nigerians, particularly women, youth, and vulnerable groups, through practical community programs.
Dr Matawalle congratulated the veterans on successfully completing the Disaster and Safety Management course and commended them for acquiring new skills to contribute to nation-building.
He described the Nigerian Legion as a symbol of honor, patriotism, enduring service, expressing appreciation for the ex-servicemen’s invaluable contributions to national duties, security efforts, community engagement, mentorship, and youth empowerment. He pledged continued support from the Ministry of Defence to the Nigerian Legion.
This initiative underscores the Legion’s commitment to strengthening post-service opportunities for veterans while promoting community resilience through trained disaster management professionals.
