By Abdul Lauya
The Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Ms. Grace Morenike Henry, has thrown her weight behind the Nigerian Army’s sustained efforts to equip retiring soldiers for life beyond military service.
Speaking at the ongoing Pre-Retirement Training and Business Development Seminar in Lagos, Ms. Henry emphasized the importance of structured support systems to ensure veterans can successfully navigate the challenges of civilian life.
Her active involvement in the seminar has drawn commendations from military personnel and stakeholders alike, who view her presence as a testament to her dedication to improving veterans’ welfare.
The full press release follows:
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
August 5, 2025
LEGION CHAIRMAN MS. GRACE MORENIKE HENRY BACKS SELF-RELIANCE DRIVE FOR RETIRING SOLDIERS
The Chairman, National Council of the Nigerian Legion, Ms. Grace Morenike Henry, has reaffirmed her commitment to fostering economic self-reliance among Nigeria’s military veterans. Addressing participants at the ongoing Veteran Affairs Pre-Retirement Training and Business Development Seminar organized by the Nigerian Army’s Directorate of Veteran Affairs at Arakan Barracks, Apapa, Lagos, Ms. Henry emphasized the need to empower soldiers with the tools to become self-sufficient and economically active after retirement.
The week-long seminar, which commenced on August 3, 2025, with the theme “Building Resilience of Personnel/Veterans for Thriving in Post-Retirement Life,” is designed to equip retiring soldiers with entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, and business development strategies to navigate the transition into civilian life.
Ms. Henry, who has been personally attending the sessions, described the program as a vital empowerment platform that resonates with her vision of ensuring that every veteran has the opportunity to build a sustainable livelihood post-service. “Our goal should be to empower veterans to stand on their own feet. Self-reliance is key to restoring the dignity and economic stability of our ex-servicemen and women. This seminar is a commendable step in that direction,” she noted.
She applauded the Nigerian Army Headquarters Department of Administration and the Directorate of Veteran Affairs for spearheading such forward-thinking initiatives, urging all relevant agencies and private sector players to collaborate in expanding post-service empowerment schemes for veterans.
“The Legion, under my leadership, is committed to driving conversations around sustainable economic empowerment for veterans. We must move beyond token gestures to actionable policies that guarantee access to credit facilities, entrepreneurial mentorship, and comprehensive welfare programs,” she added.
Ms. Henry’s active participation in the seminar has been widely acknowledged by retired personnel as a clear demonstration of her practical, hands-on approach to veterans’ welfare advocacy.
The seminar, hosted by the Headquarters 81 Division, Nigerian Army, with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, as Chief Host, will run until August 10, 2025.
e-Signed
Chief Abdul Lauya
Special Adviser
(Media & Digital Communications)
Nigerian Legion National Headquarters, Abuja.
