ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – President Bola Tinubu has appointed Morenike Henry as the Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to lead the nation’s foremost veterans’ body.
The appointment, which was confirmed in a statement issued in Abuja by Mr Henry David, an Assistant Chief Information Officer at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, is being widely celebrated as a significant step toward gender inclusion and a fulfilment of the administration’s 35 per cent affirmative action commitment for women.
“This appointment is not just symbolic,” the statement read. “It speaks to President Tinubu’s ongoing commitment to inclusive leadership and giving women their rightful place in national development.”
Henry, a seasoned veteran and respected advocate for the welfare of ex-service personnel, began her career in the Nigerian Army as a Dental Nurse. Over the years, she has risen through the ranks in both military and civilian service. She is the founding member and national coordinator of the Female Military Veteran Association (FMVA) and previously served as Director of Corporate Affairs at the Nigerian Legion’s national headquarters.
Beyond her military career, she is the Chief Executive Officer of Hengramore Care Home, a voluntary organisation that supports vulnerable populations, including widows, children, and retired service personnel. Her work has also been instrumental in aligning the Nigerian Legion with international veteran organisations in the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada.
In her new role, Henry will collaborate closely with the Ministry of Defence to spearhead key initiatives such as veteran reintegration programmes, skills training, employment support, and advocacy for improved benefits and recognition for Nigeria’s ex-servicemen and women.
Her appointment is expected to reinvigorate the Council’s efforts in supporting veterans, widows of fallen heroes, and their families, and to further position the Nigerian Legion as a dynamic force in national development.
