Lagos unveils ₦100m welfare package, housing support for military veterans

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unveiled a major support package for military veterans and members of the Nigerian Legion as part of activities leading up to the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

The gesture, announced on Monday during a State Executive Council meeting and the launch of the Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal at Lagos House, Ikeja, includes a ₦100 million donation, four two-bedroom apartments in Ajara, and two pick-up utility vehicles for the Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Legion.

In addition to the financial and housing support, Sanwo-Olu also donated food items, including 500 bags of rice and four cows, to enhance the welfare of Legion members and the families of fallen heroes.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor said the annual Emblem Appeal tradition is a meaningful way for the state to honour the sacrifices of Nigeria’s military personnel — especially those who risked and lost their lives or returned with life-altering injuries.

Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the state’s sovereignty and unity are sustained by the bravery of armed forces personnel, stressing the importance of recognising their contributions in “real and tangible ways” rather than mere ceremonial gestures.

The Lagos Legion’s Commandant, Akeem Wolimoh, expressed gratitude to the governor for his continued support, noting that past interventions have improved the living conditions of veterans and empowered dependants through state-led programmes.

Top government officials and military representatives, including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and senior officers from the Air Force and Army, attended the launch event.