President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Ms Grace Morenike Henry as the new Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman and the first non-commissioned officer to lead Nigeria’s premier veterans’ organization.
The announcement was made on Thursday in a statement released by the Legion’s spokesperson, Abdul Lauya. The appointment was formally conveyed in an official letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. According to the statement, Ms Henry’s appointment took effect from June 7, 2025.
Her selection has been widely praised as a transformative step for gender inclusion and institutional reform within Nigeria’s military veteran community. Observers have hailed the move as a clear signal of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to promoting merit, diversity, and inclusion in national institutions.
In endorsing her appointment, President Tinubu expressed strong confidence in Ms Henry’s ability to modernize the Nigerian Legion, strengthen its advocacy for the welfare of ex-servicemen and women, and restore its prominence as a key institution supporting military retirees.
Born on October 5, 1964, Ms Henry had an extensive career in the Nigerian Army, serving with distinction for over 25 years before her retirement in 2000. Prior to her new role, she was the Director of Corporate Affairs at the Legion’s national headquarters in Abuja, while also serving as the National Coordinator for Female Military Veterans of Nigeria a position in which she championed the unique needs and recognition of women in the armed forces.
She succeeds Maj. Gen. AbdulMalik Jibrin (retired) as Chairman of the Council. Her appointment is seen as an opportunity to inject fresh leadership into the Legion’s activities, which range from welfare support to national remembrance events.
Abdul Lauya, the spokesperson for the Legion, described Ms Henry’s elevation as the dawn of “a new chapter of reform and revitalisation” for the organisation.
The Nigerian Legion is a statutory body charged with safeguarding the welfare of retired military personnel and their families. Its mandate includes the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-servicemen and women, provision of economic empowerment programs, and the commemoration of national events such as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Beyond welfare services, the Legion has also expanded its role in recent years, offering security services, engaging in public awareness campaigns, and participating in broader national development initiatives involving military veterans.
Stakeholders within the veteran community hope Ms Henry’s tenure will usher in much-needed reforms, enhance transparency in welfare disbursement, and strengthen collaboration with government agencies and civil society to improve the lives of retired service members across Nigeria.
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