By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Nigerian Legion, Ebonyi State Council, has called for increased government support and improved welfare for military veterans as the state joined the rest of the country to commemorate the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
The appeal was made on Wednesday, January 15, 2026, by the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion in Ebonyi State, Veteran Ijeagwu Okechukwu, during the remembrance ceremony attended by the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and other top government and security officials.
Okechukwu described the annual event as a moment of deep reflection on the sacrifices of Nigerian Armed Forces personnel who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation’s unity and territorial integrity.
He noted that Nigerian troops have not only defended the country but have also made remarkable contributions to international peace through their participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions across the globe.
The Legion chairman urged Nigerians to remain grateful to God for the lives of surviving veterans who fought gallantly at home and abroad to secure peace.
He commended the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for the relative peace currently enjoyed in the country, attributing it to the combined efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies.
Okechukwu also lauded Governor Nwifuru for his decisive interventions in curbing communal violence in parts of Ebonyi State, noting that the governor’s sustained investments in peacebuilding and security have ensured the protection of lives and property.
“We are all here today because His Excellency invested time and resources to bring peace to Ebonyi State,” he said.
Tracing the history of the Nigerian Legion, Okechukwu recalled that the organisation was established in 1962 and later backed by an Act of Parliament in 1964, with amendments over the years strengthening its legal framework. He added that the Legion is affiliated with international veterans’ bodies, including the British Commonwealth League of Veterans.
He further disclosed that the Nigerian Legion operates an affiliate security outfit, the Corps of Commissionaire, sanctioned and supervised by the Ministry of Defence, which supports security operations and traffic control. He noted that he currently serves as the Commandant of the corps in the state.
The Legion chairman appealed to Governor Nwifuru, as Patron of the Nigerian Legion in Ebonyi State, to consider appointing qualified Legion members into government positions, recalling past appointments of veterans which, he said, boosted morale within the Legion.
He also urged the state government to support efforts aimed at upgrading the welfare and operational capacity of the Legion.
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is observed annually to honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes and appreciate the sacrifices of serving and retired military personnel.