Nigerian Legion Ebonyi Chapter Donates Food, Cash to Widows of Fallen Soldiers

By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze

The Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaire, Ebonyi State Chapter, has donated food items and cash gifts worth millions of naira to widows of fallen soldiers, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of ex-service members and their families.

The Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Legion, Ebonyi State Command, Corps Commander Chibueze Joshua Elem, made this known in Abakaliki during a gathering of widows of fallen soldiers in Ebonyi state.

“From time to time, we visit them, we call on them, just like what you are seeing here. A few days ago, we also visited some of our retired soldiers in their various homes to pay them homage, so that the people around them will know that these ones have served in the Nigerian Army, Air Force, or Navy,” he said.

Elem extended gratitude to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and the Ebonyi State Council for their continued support in ensuring the well-being of fallen heroes and retired soldiers. He also acknowledged the Federal Government’s recent attention to the welfare of ex-service members, noting that a bill aimed at improving their care has passed its second reading at the National Assembly.

The chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Ebonyi State Council, HRH Rtd. Captain Fidelis Ogodo, assured the widows that their welfare remains a priority. He also addressed concerns from veterans who have yet to receive financial support.

“Our colleagues may be asking why we have not reached them yet, but we are starting with the widows because they are fewer. The main veterans are many, and we don’t want any mix-up to avoid confusion. Very soon, they will start getting alerts, as we are compiling their bank accounts to send their own directly through their banks,” he explained.

Several beneficiaries of the donation expressed their appreciation, describing the gesture as a lifeline in difficult times.

Mrs. Memuna Isa, a widow and beneficiary, thanked Governor Nwifuru for remembering them. “We really appreciate this privilege given to us. May the Almighty God continue to bless him and put melody in his heart,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Tolu Ikwere from Kogi State, shared her struggles since the loss of her husband, who was a member of the Nigerian Legion and served as its treasurer before his passing in October last year.

“Since I lost my husband, life has not been easy. We have been managing with the children, so we were surprised when we received a call about this donation. I thank God for our governor; he is truly a good governor,” she said.

Mrs. Luke Margaret, wife of the late Major Luke Agha from Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, also expressed her gratitude.

“I’m very delighted by this provision. Personally, I never expected it, but when the legion chairman called me earlier this month and asked us to come, I knew something was being planned. Even though I don’t know what is inside the envelope, I know the rice will go a long way for the widows and their children, especially with the high cost of living in Nigeria today,” she said.

She further called for more support, highlighting the challenges widows face in catering for their children, many of whom are unemployed.

The Nigerian Legion is an organization established to cater to the welfare of ex-service men who participated in wars Nigeria has been involved in. It promotes the spirit of comradeship among retired and serving military personnel.

The Nigerian Legion Council is an offshoot of the Nigerian Armed Forces—comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force—established by an Act of Parliament in 1964.