Babangida Advocates Better Funding, Welfare for Military Veterans, Fallen Heroes’ Families

Babangida Advocates Better Funding, Welfare for Military Veterans,  Fallen Heroes’ Families

By Haruna Musa

Former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has urged the Federal Government to strengthen financial support and welfare programmes for retired military personnel and families of soldiers who died while serving the nation.

Babangida made the appeal when the National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Morenike Henry, led members of the organisation’s leadership on a courtesy visit to his residence in Minna.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Legion’s Media Officer, Oloriegbe David.

During the meeting, Babangida acknowledged the difficulties confronting military veterans and assured the delegation that he would engage relevant government authorities to explore possible solutions aimed at improving their welfare.

He also praised the leadership of the Nigerian Legion for its continued advocacy and commitment to safeguarding the dignity and wellbeing of retired servicemen and women.

According to him, the sacrifices made by those who defended Nigeria during their years of service should never be forgotten, stressing that veterans deserve sustained support from the nation they served.

Earlier, Henry outlined several pressing challenges affecting ex-servicemen and women. She cited inadequate access to medical care, insufficient funding for healthcare services, and the economic struggles faced by widows of soldiers who lost their lives in active duty.

She appealed for financial assistance that could amount to about five to six months’ salary for widows of fallen soldiers, explaining that such support would help them establish small-scale businesses and sustain their families.

Henry further noted that many military personnel enlist at a young age and often face significant financial and social challenges after retirement or in the event of death during service.

The Legion chairman also renewed calls for the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Veterans Affairs, saying such an institution would ensure a structured and lasting support system for former members of the armed forces.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Undiandeye, advised the leadership of the Legion to avoid protests while pursuing their demands.

Undiandeye commended the proposal to establish a Ministry of Veterans Affairs and stressed the need for accountability and transparency in managing funds meant for veterans’ welfare.

He encouraged the organisation to focus on programmes that directly benefit retired soldiers and their families, adding that constructive dialogue with government authorities remained the most effective path to achieving policy reforms and improved funding.

Responding, Henry expressed gratitude to the defence intelligence chief for his support in facilitating the successful hosting of the Nigerian Legion Council meeting.