LAGOS/Nigeria: No fewer than 600 widows and 20 physically challenged military veterans have benefitted from a major palliative distribution organised by the Nigerian Legion, Lagos State Council, courtesy of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The distribution, which featured bags of rice, educational materials and cash gifts, formed part of activities marking the Lagos Legion Day celebration held on Tuesday at the Multi-Agency Office Complex Hall, Bolade, Oshodi, Lagos.
Widows under the Military Fallen Heroes Association (MFHA) and the Military Widows Association (MIWA) commended the Lagos State Council of the Nigerian Legion for ensuring that the governor’s donations were transparently distributed to beneficiaries.
Physically challenged and elderly veterans also expressed gratitude to the Lagos Legion Council Chairman, Mr Akeem Wolimoh, for prioritising inclusiveness in the sharing of items, ensuring that vulnerable members were not left out.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, graced the occasion and presented a token donation in support of the council’s activities. He was represented by the Director, Veteran Health, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Edet Effiong.
In his remarks, Shaibu urged veterans to remain physically active in retirement to enhance blood circulation and prevent joint-related ailments associated with ageing. He also encouraged them to take advantage of the Defence Health Maintenance Ltd. (DHML) to secure adequate healthcare for themselves and their families.
Speaking at the event, Wolimoh disclosed that Governor Sanwo-Olu recently donated 500 bags of 25kg rice and pledged N100 million to support the activities of the legion in the state.
He noted that the food items and educational materials procured from the governor’s pledge would significantly ease the burden on widows and other members facing economic hardship.
“The Nigerian Legion is basically established to foster comradeship among military veterans, sustain sociability and come together in peace and harmony,” Wolimoh said.
“The Lagos Legion Day was held to fulfil this purpose, as well as to meet the needs of our widows and members. The governor of Lagos State has been immensely supportive, and we appreciate him for making these donations possible,” he added.
Wolimoh further revealed that the council had introduced an initiative to sponsor 25 students annually with financial support for their education, describing it as part of efforts to empower the children of veterans and widows.
He urged members of the legion to continue to promote unity and harmony for the sustained progress of the council.
Mrs Esther Leko, Coordinator of MFHA, described life after the loss of her husband as challenging, particularly in meeting feeding needs, school fees and other household expenses. She, however, commended the legion’s leadership for alleviating their suffering.
“I appreciate God for my life and the lives of my fellow widows for the strength and grace to take care of our families. I also thank the chairman, who has been like a father figure to us, coupled with his willingness to always assist,” she said.
Similarly, Mrs Eno Zamani, Coordinator of MIWA, thanked Wolimoh for integrating her association into the legion, thereby enabling its members to benefit from available support. She noted that although MIWA had just begun its collaboration with the legion, the gesture received signalled hope for improved welfare.
Among the beneficiaries, Seaman Azeez Ganui, a physically challenged veteran who uses a wheelchair, expressed appreciation after receiving two new batteries to power his wheelchair and a bag of rice.
“I was given two new batteries to power my wheelchair and a bag of rice. I thank the chairman for ensuring that these gifts got to us,” Ganui said.
An elderly veteran, Army Warrant Officer Ganui Odunuga, who received N100,000 and a bag of rice, also expressed gratitude. Odunuga, the first Regimental Sergeant Major of the National War College in 1995, offered prayers for wisdom and grace for the Lagos State Government and the Lagos Legion Council.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr Olanrewaju Layode, pledged continued support for the legion’s activities on behalf of the governor. Layode was represented at the event by Ms Silva Ope, a director in the ministry.
