On June 7, 2025, President Bola Tinubu formally appointed 60‑year‑old Grace Morenike Henry as the Chairman (Commandant General) of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion. The appointment, delivered through a letter signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and announced by Chief Abdul Lauya, signals two significant milestones: Grace Henry is both the first woman and the first non‑commissioned officer to lead Nigeria’s premier veterans’ body. She succeeds retired Major General AbdulMalik Jibrin.

The Nigerian Legion is a statutory institution—founded under the Nigerian Legion Act of 1964 and further strengthened in 1977 and 1988—that champions the welfare, advocacy, rehabilitation, and reintegration of military veterans and their dependents.

1. Trailblazing Leadership

Grace Henry brings over 25 years of military service to her leadership role. Born on October 5, 1964, she rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Army, retiring in 2000. In the interim, she held key positions within the Legion—including Director of Corporate Affairs at the Abuja headquarters and National Coordinator of the Female Military Veterans of Nigeria—all of which prepare her for national command.

Her ascension as a non‑commissioned officer (NCO) marks a profound shift. In Nigeria—as in most militaries—leadership often defaults to commissioned officers. Henry’s appointment breaks this tradition and signals a broader impulse among both government and veterans to be more inclusive to all service strata and gender identities.

2. Recognizing Female Military Veterans

This appointment comes at a moment when the Nigerian Legion has actively elevated female representation. On August 14, 2024, an event highlighted the Female Military Veterans Association’s engagement with the National Chairman—Grace Henry, then Director of Corporate Affairs, was featured prominently. Additionally, late 2024’s Humanitarian Day reaffirmed the Legion’s commitment to veteran welfare, with Henry likely playing a key organizing role .

Her leadership aligns with growing recognition of women’s military contributions. Nigeria’s first female commissioned officer, Captain Josephine Okwuekeleke Tolefe (1961–1967), paved the way decades ago. Now, Grace Henry’s role brings such historical threads into the modern organizational fabric.

3. Institutional Role & Context

The Nigerian Legion functions within the Ministry of Defence’s Veterans Affairs Division, governed by a structured National Council headed by the Chairman/Commandant General. Its mandate includes:

• Supporting veterans’ welfare and rehabilitation

• Commemorating Armed Forces Remembrance Day

• Running commercial initiatives (e.g., transport, estates) to support its mission

In recent years, the Legion has undergone significant transformation. At its 60th-anniversary meeting in June 2024, the organization announced intentions to streamline and rebrand—potentially shifting towards the “Veterans Federation of Nigeria.”.

4. Leadership Reshuffle: Broader Organizational Changes

The June 2025 National Council also appointed Dr. Emeka Igwesi as Deputy Commandant General and national coordinator of the Corps of Commissionaires. These changes follow the relocation of former Chairman Maj. Gen. Jibrin (rtd) to head the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB). The shuffle reflects a broader restructuring strategy—likely aimed at enhancing governance, strengthening the Corps of Commissionaires, and modernizing commercial and welfare initiatives.

5. Political Overtones and Welfare Aspirations

Tinubu’s official endorsement of Grace Henry sends multiple signals:

• Gender representation in leadership—especially in veteran affairs—marks progress in inclusivity.

• Empowerment of non‑commissioned cadres restores representation for lower ranks long underrepresented at senior levels.

• A push for organizational revitalization of the Legion—seen through the simultaneous enhancement of leadership and funding reform.

In January 2025, the Legion formally called on the federal government to redeem a promised ₦500 million toward veteran welfare and to empower dependents through farming and employment initiatives.

6. National & Historical Perspective

Grace Henry’s appointment is part of a pattern of women assuming prominent leadership roles across Nigeria:

• Funmilayo Ransome‑Kuti, women’s rights crusader and first female Order of Nigeria awardee in 1965

• Bola Kuforiji‑Olubi, the first woman to chair a publicly listed Nigerian company and ICA president

• Funmilade Akingbagbohun, first female chair of the Nigerian Society of Engineers in 2022

In comparison, Grace Henry’s role in veteran affairs fills a crucial representational gap and sets a new benchmark for gender and rank diversity.

7. What Lies Ahead?

Operational Priorities

As she assumes command, Henry will oversee:

• Coordination of Armed Forces Remembrance Day observances

• Expansion of veterans’ economic programs (agriculture, enterprise)

• Institutional fundraising and welfare outreach

She may also accelerate implementation of the Legion’s transition to the Veterans Federation of Nigeria, in line with 2024 proposals.

Stakeholder Engagement

Henry’s role will involve collaborating closely with:

• Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs Division

• State-level Legion commands and Corps of Commissionaires

• Civil society and private partners supporting veterans

Her past work with female veterans suggests she may elevate gender-inclusion strategies within these frames.

Public Perception & Institutional Integrity

As the Legion pursues funding and mandating reforms, Henry’s leadership credibility will be central. The ₦500 million pledge and operational reforms—such as offering direct economic support and clear accountability—below scrutiny from both veterans and the public.

8. Conclusion

Grace Henry’s appointment signifies a turning point. For the first time, Nigeria’s principal veteran body is led by a female non-commissioned officer—strengthening institutional legitimacy by uplifting often-underrepresented cadres and promoting gender parity.

As the Legion evolves—changing its name, financial model, and public outreach—her leadership style will likely shape the trajectory. Balancing tradition with innovation, she is now entrusted with honoring Nigeria’s past while charting a more inclusive, sustainable future for all who served.