Tinubu names first woman to lead Nigerian legion

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Grace Morenike Henry as the new Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, making her the first woman to head the country’s premier veterans’ organization.

The announcement was made public in a statement on Thursday by Abdul Lauya, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications to the council chairman.

According to Lauya, Henry’s appointment is not only historic due to her gender but also because she is the first non-commissioned officer to occupy the position.

The appointment, which took effect from June 7, 2025, was confirmed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Born on October 5, 1964, Henry retired from the Nigerian Army in 2000 after more than 25 years of service.

Prior to her elevation, she served as the Director of Corporate Affairs at the Legion’s headquarters in Abuja. She also currently holds the position of National Coordinator for Female Military Veterans of Nigeria.
She succeeds Maj. Gen. AbdulMalik Jibrin (rtd), and her selection is being hailed as a significant step toward advancing gender inclusion and representation in military veteran affairs.

“President Tinubu expressed confidence in her leadership and urged her to deploy her wealth of experience to reposition the Nigerian Legion, an organization that has long served as the voice and support system for the nation’s ex-servicemen and women,” the statement read.

“Her emergence signals a renewed era of reform and revitalization for the Legion, as she assumes the mantle of leadership in a time of growing calls for veteran welfare and institutional reinvigoration,” it added.

The Nigerian Legion, a statutory body established to support retired military personnel and their families, is tasked with initiatives focused on rehabilitation, reintegration, and economic empowerment of veterans. Its mandate also includes organizing commemorative activities like the Armed Forces Remembrance Day and working with government and civil society partners to promote the welfare and recognition of former service members.

The Legion additionally undertakes security services and public outreach aimed at enhancing the profile and contributions of veterans in national development.