Not less than 600 widows and 20 physically challenged military veterans have benefited from a palliative distribution by the Nigerian Legion, Lagos State Council, courtesy of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The distribution, which included bags of rice, educational materials and cash gifts, took place during 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 Nigerian Legion, Lagos State Council, for distributing the governor’s gifts to them.
Physically challenged and elderly military veterans also thanked the Lagos Legion Council Chairman, Mr Akeem Wolimoh, for ensuring inclusiveness in the sharing of the items.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, graced the occasion and presented a token donation to Wolimoh in support of the council’s activities.
Shaibu, who was represented by the Director, Veteran Health, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Edet Effiong, urged veterans to remain active in retirement to enhance blood circulation and prevent joint-related ailments in old age.
He also encouraged them to take advantage of the Defence Health Maintenance Ltd. (DHML) to ensure that their health and that of their families received adequate attention when necessary.
Wolimoh disclosed that Sanwo-Olu recently donated 500 bags of 25kg rice and pledged N100 million to support the activities of the legion.
He said the food items and educational materials procured from the governor’s pledge would go a long way in meeting the needs of widows and other members.
“The Nigerian Legion is basically established to foster comradeship among military veterans, sustain sociability and come together in peace and harmony.
“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 said.
Wolimoh added that the council had introduced an initiative to sponsor 25 students annually with financial support for their education.
He urged members of the legion to continue to promote harmony and unity for the progress of the council.
Mrs Esther Leko, Coordinator, MFHA, said life without her husband had been difficult, especially in meeting feeding needs, school fees and other household expenses.
She, however, appreciated Wolimoh for his efforts in alleviating their sufferings through the support provided.
“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.
Mrs Eno Zamani, Coordinator, MIWA, thanked the chairman for accepting the association into the legion to enable its members benefit from available support.
Zamani noted that although MIWA was just beginning its collaboration with the legion, the gesture received showed promise of better days ahead.
A physically challenged veteran, Seaman Azeez Ganui, who uses a wheelchair, expressed appreciation for the support received.
“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.
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Odunuga, the first Regimental Sergeant Major of the National War College in 1995, prayed 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 by Ms Silva Ope, a director in the ministry.
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