President Tinubu appoints Grace Henry as first female chair of the Nigerian Legion, marking a historic step for gender equality in the nation’s veterans’ body
Grace Henry Nigerian Legion appointment has made history as President Bola Tinubu named her the first woman and first non-commissioned officer to lead the National Council of the Nigerian Legion.
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The appointment, announced on Thursday in Abuja, was conveyed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
It took effect from June 7. According to a statement from Chief Abdul Lauya, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications to the Chairman, the announcement marks a major milestone in the Federal Government’s push for gender inclusion in public institutions.
Born on 5 October 1964, Ms Henry retired from the Nigerian Army in 2000 after over 25 years of distinguished service.
Prior to her appointment, she served as Director of Corporate Affairs at the Legion Headquarters in Abuja and was the National Coordinator of Female Military Veterans of Nigeria. She now succeeds retired Major General AbdulMalik Jibrin.
“President Tinubu has expressed confidence in her leadership and urged her to use her wealth of experience to reposition the Nigerian Legion,” Lauya said.
He noted that Henry’s appointment represents a new era of reform and revitalisation within the Legion at a time when calls for improved veteran welfare and structural renewal are increasing.
The Nigerian Legion, a statutory organisation under federal law, plays a critical role in the rehabilitation, reintegration, and empowerment of ex-servicemen and their dependents.
It also fosters patriotism and national unity through remembrance activities and collaborates with government agencies, civil society, and security institutions to protect the dignity of veterans.
The Legion’s involvement spans welfare services, advocacy, public education, and security-related operations, contributing to national development while ensuring that former service personnel receive the recognition and support they deserve.
In response to media reports portraying her as one of the “most powerful” non-commissioned ex-service personnel, Ms Henry strongly disassociated herself from such narratives.
She cautioned against any effort to create artificial hierarchies within the veterans’ community.
“Leadership is not about grandstanding or media manipulation. There is no concept of anyone being ‘most powerful’ under my stewardship,” she said.
Henry reaffirmed that the Legion remains a unified body focused on service, unity, and integrity. She called on the media to exercise responsibility and accuracy, urging all stakeholders to disregard unverified reports and instead focus on strengthening the welfare and dignity of all veterans.
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Her leadership signals a progressive shift for the Legion and a broader commitment to inclusive governance, national unity, and the welfare of those who have served the country in uniform.
