Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu extends social support to military families as over 600 widows and 20 physically challenged veterans receive food items, educational materials and cash assistance during the 2026 Lagos Legion Day celebration.
The palliative distribution, coordinated by the Nigerian Legion, Lagos State Council, takes place on Wednesday at the Multi-Agency Office Complex in Oshodi, targeting widows of fallen heroes and elderly ex-servicemen facing economic hardship.
Chairman of the Lagos Legion Council, Mr Akeem Wolimoh, confirms that the governor donates 500 bags of rice and pledges ₦100 million to strengthen welfare programmes for legion members and their families.
“These resources will directly address food insecurity, education support and healthcare needs among our widows and veterans,” Wolimoh says.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Waidi Shaibu, the Director of Veteran Health, Brig-Gen Edet Effiong, urges retired soldiers to prioritise healthy living and utilise the Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML) scheme.
“Regular physical activity improves circulation and reduces age-related ailments. Your health must remain a priority,” Effiong says.
Widows under the Widows of Military Fallen Heroes Association describe the intervention as timely. Esther Leko, the association’s coordinator, says the support will ease pressures related to food and school fees.
“Life becomes difficult after losing a breadwinner. This gesture gives us hope,” she says.
The Lagos Legion also launches an annual education support scheme for 25 students, reinforcing long-term assistance beyond emergency relief.
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Chukwu Obinna 
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Hussaini Ibrahim 