Breaking Barriers: Grace Morenike Henry Appointed First Female Head 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. Her appointment, effective from June 7, 2025, marks a watershed moment for Nigeria’s military veterans community, as she becomes both the first woman and the first non-commissioned officer to lead the nation’s premier veterans’ organization.

The announcement was officially made on Thursday through a statement issued by Abdul Lauya, spokesperson of the Nigerian Legion, and confirmed via an appointment letter signed by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The decision has since been widely celebrated as a major victory for gender equity, representation, and progressive reform within Nigeria’s military institutions.

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A Historic Appointment Rooted in Experience

Born on October 5, 1964, Ms. Henry has a rich background in military service and veterans’ advocacy. She served over 25 years in the Nigerian Army, retiring in 2000 with a record of discipline and dedication. Her journey from the lower ranks of the military to the highest leadership position in the Nigerian Legion breaks long-standing traditions and sends a powerful message about meritocracy and evolving standards of leadership.

Prior to this new role, Henry served as the Director of Corporate Affairs at the Nigerian Legion’s national headquarters in Abuja. She also played a leading role as the National Coordinator of Female Military Veterans of Nigeria, demonstrating her commitment to amplifying the voices of women in the military space and improving welfare for retired female personnel.

Henry now succeeds Maj. Gen. AbdulMalik Jibrin (retd.), and her appointment is expected to usher in a new era of revitalization and structural reform for the Nigerian Legion.

A Turning Point for the Nigerian Legion

The Nigerian Legion, a statutory body responsible for the welfare of retired military personnel and their dependents, plays a crucial role in national development. From overseeing economic empowerment programs to supporting reintegration and rehabilitation efforts for ex-service members, the Legion serves as a bridge between retired personnel and society.

Under Henry’s leadership, the Council is expected to focus on:

• Enhanced welfare programs for veterans
• Increased gender inclusiveness
• Broader collaboration with civil society, government, and security agencies
• Expansion of the Legion’s role in community security services
• Promotion of national remembrance activities, especially the Armed Forces Remembrance Day

According to Lauya, Henry’s appointment represents a “new chapter of reform and revitalisation.” Her leadership style, rooted in her long experience in advocacy and administration, is seen as a perfect match for the Legion’s future direction.

Tinubu’s Endorsement and the Way Forward

President Tinubu’s endorsement of Grace Henry came with an expressed confidence in her ability to “reposition the Legion” and “reinvigorate its mission” to uphold the dignity, welfare, and visibility of ex-servicemen and women. His decision aligns with broader reform efforts to modernize and humanize the military ecosystem, especially in how veterans are treated after their years of service.

By breaking the mold with this appointment, the Tinubu administration has also taken a significant step toward gender equality within national institutions historically dominated by male leadership.

The Nigerian Legion’s transformation under Henry could also signal a reimagining of veterans’ roles in national development, especially in areas such as public enlightenment, disaster response, youth mentorship, and internal security support.

 A Bold Step into a Progressive Future

Grace Morenike Henry’s rise to become the first female and first non-commissioned officer to chair the National Council of the Nigerian Legion is a remarkable milestone in Nigerian military history. It symbolizes more than a personnel change; it’s a paradigm shift—towards equity, diversity, and purposeful leadership in the veterans’ community.

Her track record and service ethos have prepared her to lead the Legion into a more inclusive and effective future, where the contributions of every military veteran—regardless of rank or gender—are recognized and valued.