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Nigerian Legion To Build Mini-Estate For Veterans In Lagos
The Nigerian Legion, Lagos Chapter, says it has plans to build a mini estate, to ease the accommodation needs of its members in the state.
The State Chairman of the legion, Deputy Commandant General (DCG), Akeem Wolimoh, said this in an interview with The Tide’s source in Lagos, yesterday.
The source reports that the Nigerian Legion is a non-profit veterans’ organisation founded in 1964, which members include people who served in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The Nigerian Legion is not a para- military organisation, but an off-shoot of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
It is a statutory body, as outlined in the Federal Republic of Nigeria official Gazette No. 64 vol. 75 of Sept.30, 1988. It is designed to address the welfare needs of veterans.
Ironically, many ex-service men are faced with many challenges, the worst being lack of decent accommodation to retire to after their service years.
Wolimoh, however, told The Tide’s source that the body was concerned and worried about the pitiable condition of most of their colleagues, hence, the move to create a mini estate in Epe, where decent accommodation would be provided for members.
He said the body had recently sealed a deal to acquire 283 acres of land in Epe, a fast growing metropolitan area in Lagos State, to berth the decent accommodation for military veterans.
According to Wolimoh, there are many ex-service men, who are living in one room shanties and slums in very unfavourable conditions, as a result of lack of accommodation.
“We want to support the needs of military veterans, especially in the area of accommodation because living in unfavourable conditions has negatively impacted their health.
“As recommended in the Nigerian Legion Act, the legion is saddled with the responsibility to provide hostels and accommodate those veterans, who are perceived to be in need of accommodation.
“It is also recommended that the legion shall provide necessary support to the families of fallen heroes and deceased ex-service men, in one way or the other,” he said.
According to him, the plan of the legion is to build an all encompassing estate that will have a resort centre, medical facility, farmland, market, among other things.
He, however, says that financial constraints was slowing down the pace of achieving the body’s lofty idea.
“We have, however, met with a financial mortgage institution and we were advised to register a cooperative, which we did in the name of Nigerian Legion Multipurpose Organisation in January 2023.
“Efforts are ongoing to get the necessary approval from the government and then bring in investors because it is a huge project that the legion cannot financially handle on its own.
“We already have the land, all that is remaining now is government’s approval; once that is done, construction will start,” he said.
Wolimoh told The Tide source that the first phase of the project would be the construction of 30 housing units, to be completed under the public-private partnership initiative.
“This is of utmost urgency to meet the accommodation challenge of veterans.
“It will enable us to quickly provide accommodation for 30 families and get them off the deplorable conditions, which they presently live in.
“By the time the financiers have completed all formalities, we should be able to provide enough accommodation that will address this challenge within a span of between 10 years and 20 years.
“The housing project that will provide decent shelter for ex-servicemen will be a continuous one,” he said.
DCG Wolimoh, told The Tide source that the idea to build an encompassing estate to be likened to a farmyard housing estate, was conceived when he was young.
“As a young man growing up in Epe, I experienced how wives of soldiers then from the military barracks in Epe contributed significantly to stabilising the prices of food in the market.
“Whenever they came with their farm produce to Ayetoro market, which is the central market in Epe, the market price of farm produce would significantly fall.
“As a result of cultivating their farmlands in military barracks, they were able to harvest large quantities of crops, which greatly impacted on the society, to the benefit of the consumers,” he said.
The chairman said that it was a scenario worth recreating in the Nigerian Legion’s proposed housing estate.
“All we need are capable retired veterans, who can still supervise farming activities in a corporate way , where each one will be responsible for certain portion of farmland.
“So, the estate will serve as both accommodation for the veterans, means of sustenance as well as a source of economic relief to the community through their farm produce,” he told The Tide source.
Wolimoh said that the Lagos chapter of the legion would soon perform the ground breaking ceremony of the Nigerian Legion, Training Institute at Itokin, Epe.
“Within that place, we already have plans to build a secondary school and mini health centre for ex-service men.
“We need a health centre for ex-service men where they can be admitted, especially for those who do not have people taking care of them at their old age.
“This challenge is not only peculiar to Nigeria but also other countries of the world where ex-service men suffer because they don’t have family members to take care of them,” he said.
The chairman said that they had already invited people to register as caregivers and that enough people had already shown interest in the job of caring for veterans.
“In addition we have about 350 registered widows of fallen heroes in Lagos State, that we reach out to during every festival to cushion the effect of the high cost of living.
“So, we have taken steps towards achieving this plan, we have already set up our machinery, especially in the aspect of housing and provision of medical facility.
“We are presently responsible for five military veterans on sick bed, paying their bills and buying drugs that are not covered by their NHIS,” Wolimoh said.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol