The 9th Assembly has been advised to expeditiously pass the Nigerian Legion Act Bill with a view to providing the needed welfare of the veterans.
Maj. Gen. Magashi, charged the Law makers at a Press briefing on the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at Abacha Hall, National Defence College, Abuja.
He noted, however, that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN)have paid the supreme sacrifice and sustained varying degrees of injuries in the fight against Boko Haram in the north east as well as tackling other internal security challenges in the North West as well as tackling similar insurgencies in other parts of the country.
Gen Magashi, commended the efforts of the security agencies in curtailing security challenges across the country and promised to, on the part of the Federal Government, rebuild public institutions and communities affected by the long-drawn war on insurgency. He further applauded some Corporations and NGOs who have contributed to rebuilding/resettlement process of the war- affected citizens.
According to the Honorable Minister, the line-up programme for the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, include, the launching of Emblem on Wednesday, 16 October, 2019 at the Council Chamber, State House, Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, by President Muhammadu Buhari, followed by the Nigerian Legion Humanitarians Day on the 18th October, 2019 at the Legion House, Area Three and Legion Offices in all States of the Federation. It will also involve community service by the Veterans as well as empowerment of widows and orphans of the fallen heroes.
He further stated that the programme will continue with a national prayer on Friday, 10th January, 2020 at the National Mosque and Inter-Denominational Service at the National Christian Centre on Sunday, 12th January, 2020; saying that the programme will run simultaneously across the country. The programme will be rounded up by the laying of Wreath at the National Cenotaph at the Eagle Square, Abuja, on Wednesday 15 January 2020 by the President.
Gen. Magashi also used the occasion to reiterate the Ministry’s intention to embark on some programmes that will improve the welfare of the veterans in line with International best practices; these programmes he said, include the Pension Administration, which would be responsible for prompt payment of monthly pension. The Defence Health Insurance Scheme, according to the Minister, will continue to provide health insurance services for veterans, widows and eligible dependants of the fallen heroes.
The Minister also said that the Ministry is Collaborating with Nigerian Legion and National Personal Asset Acquisition scheme to afford the Legionnaires (Veterans) the ability to purchase both household and agricultural commodities at affordable, discounted prices within a flexible and structured repayment plan across the country.”
