By Felix Khanoba
In a bold move to strengthen the welfare framework for Nigerian military veterans, Ms. Grace Morenike Henry, the newly appointed Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, has met with the Chairman of the Military Pensions Board (MPB) during a courtesy visit in Abuja.
The meeting marks Ms. Henry’s first official engagement with the MPB and is part of a broader strategy to deepen collaboration between the Legion and agencies responsible for post-service welfare and pensions.
During the visit on Wednesday, Ms. Henry underscored the importance of building a stronger alliance between the Nigerian Legion and the MPB.
She described the Legion as a “critical partner in the management of the post-service life of our gallant personnel.”
A statement from her media aide, Abdul Lauya, quoted her saying: “The time has come for the Nigerian Legion and the Military Pensions Board to work more closely,” she said. “We owe it to the veterans’ community to ensure that their welfare is not just a priority on paper but a lived reality. I believe collaboration is the way forward.”
Her remarks reflect a growing emphasis on hands-on, reform-driven leadership aimed at enhancing the impact of veteran-focused institutions in Nigeria.
In his response, the Chairman of the Military Pensions Board, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Adamu, welcomed the outreach and affirmed the Board’s commitment to improving services for ex-servicemen and women.
He reiterated that the Board remains focused on the welfare of veterans and expressed a readiness to cooperate with the Legion on critical areas like pension administration, gratuity disbursement, and long-term care.
“We are open to collaboration with the Legion,” AVM Adamu stated. “We share a common purpose, to serve those who have served our nation. Any step that brings added value to veterans’ lives will be pursued with full dedication.”
Established by an Act of Parliament, the Nigerian Legion is tasked with overseeing the welfare of retired military personnel. Under Ms. Henry’s leadership, the organization is repositioning itself as a key player in advocating for the rights, benefits, and dignity of veterans across the country.
