Precious Ugwuzor
Not less than 600 widows and 20 physically challenged military veterans benefited from the Nigerian Legion, Lagos State Council’s palliative distribution, gifted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The distribution, which included rice, educational materials, and cash gifts, took place during the Lagos Legion Day celebration on Tuesday at the Multi-Agency Office Complex Hall, Bolade, Oshodi, Lagos State.
Widows of the Military Fallen Heroes Association (MFHA) and the Military Widows Association (MIWA) praised the Nigerian Legion, Lagos State Council, for ensuring that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s gifts reached them.
Physically challenged military personnel, as well as elderly veterans, also thanked the Lagos Legion Council Chairman, Mr Akeem Wolimoh, for ensuring that everyone was included in the sharing of the gifts.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, graced the occasion and presented a token gift to Wolimoh to support the activities of the Lagos Legion Council. Shaibu was represented by the Director of Veteran Health, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Edet Effiong.
The COAS urged veterans to remain active even in retirement to encourage blood flow and prevent joint complications in old age. He also encouraged military veterans to take advantage of the Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML) to ensure that their health and that of their families were always attended to when needed.
Mr Wolimoh said that Governor Sanwo-Olu had recently donated 500 bags of 25kg rice and pledged N100 million to the council to support the activities of the legion. He added that the food items and educational materials procured from the governor’s pledge would go a long way in meeting the needs of the widows and council members.
“The Nigerian Legion is established to foster comradeship among military veterans, sustain sociability, and bring members together in peace and harmony. The Lagos Legion Veterans Day was held to fulfil this purpose as well as meet the needs of our widows and members. The governor of Lagos State has been immensely supportive, and we appreciate him for making all these donations possible,” he said.
The chairman added that the council had put in place an initiative to support the education of students, pledging that every year 25 students would receive financial assistance from the Nigerian Legion. He also urged members to continue promoting harmony and unity within the council.
Mrs Esther Leko, Coordinator of MFHA, said that life without her husband had been difficult, particularly with feeding, school fees, and other household expenses. She, however, appreciated Wolimoh for his efforts in alleviating their hardships through the provision he made.
“I appreciate God for my life and the lives of my fellow widows, for the strength and grace He has given us to care for our families. I also thank God for the chairman, who has been like a fatherly figure to us, always willing to assist us,” she said.
Mrs Eno Zamani, Coordinator of MIWA, thanked the chairman for accepting their association into the legion so that they, too, could benefit from its programmes. She noted that MIWA was still new to the legion but expressed optimism about the future.
“However, what we have experienced so far with the gesture from the legion, I can say that there will be better days ahead,” she said.
A physically challenged military personnel, Seaman Azeez Ganui, who uses a wheelchair, said he was pleased with the support from the legion.
“I was given two new batteries to power my wheelchair and a bag of rice. I thank the chairman for ensuring that these gifts reached us,” Ganui said.
An elderly military veteran, Army Warrant Officer Ganui Odunuga, who received N100,000 and a bag of rice, expressed gratitude for the gesture. Odunuga, the first Regimental Sergeant Major of the National War College in 1995, prayed for more wisdom and grace for the Lagos State Government and Lagos Legion Council.
The Commissioner of Affairs, Lagos State, Mr Olanrewaju Layode, promised continued support for the activities of the legion through the governor. Layode was represented by Ms Silva Ope, a Director in the Lagos State Ministry.
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