Tinubu Appoints Grace Morenike Henry First Female Chair Of Nigerian Legion

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Ms Grace Morenike Henry as the new Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, making her the first female and first non-commissioned officer to lead the country’s foremost veterans’ organisation.

Naijaonpoint reports that the landmark appointment was announced on Thursday in a statement by the Legion’s spokesperson, Abdul Lauya, and was conveyed in an official letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

According to the statement, Ms Henry’s appointment took effect on June 7, 2025, and has been widely celebrated as a turning point for gender inclusion and reform in the Nigerian military veteran space.

President Tinubu, in approving her appointment, expressed confidence in her ability to reposition the Legion and reinvigorate its role in championing the welfare and dignity of ex-servicemen and women.

Born on October 5, 1964, Henry served in the Nigerian Army and retired in 2000 after over 25 years of dedicated service. Until her new appointment, she was the Director of Corporate Affairs at the Legion’s national headquarters in Abuja and concurrently served as the National Coordinator, Female Military Veterans of Nigeria.

She succeeds Maj. Gen. AbdulMalik Jibrin (retd.) as Chairman of the Council.

Lauya noted that Henry’s leadership heralds a new chapter of reform and revitalisation for the Nigerian Legion.

The Nigerian Legion is a statutory body established to promote the welfare of retired military personnel and their dependents. Its core responsibilities include, rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-service members, economic empowerment programmes for veterans, commemoration of national remembrance events, including the Armed Forces Remembrance Day and advocacy and collaboration with government, civil society, and security agencies to uphold the dignity of retired personnel

Additionally, the Legion also plays a growing role in security services, public enlightenment, and national development initiatives involving military veterans.