By Sodiq Adelakun
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has strengthened support for the Nigerian Legion, donating ₦100 million, four two-bedroom apartments in Ajara, two pick-up vehicles, four cows, 500 bags of rice, and other food items to members of the State Council of the Nigerian Legion.
The announcement was made on Monday during the launch of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal Fund at Lagos House, Ikeja, ahead of the January 15 commemoration.
In a statement signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gborega Akosile, the governor emphasised the importance of remembering Nigeria’s fallen heroes and those injured in service.
The statement reads partly: “It is customary to accede to the yearly requests of the Nigerian Legion. We promise to continue to support the Nigerian Legion, Lagos State Council, in demonstrating our gratitude for the services rendered for the continued existence of the sovereignty of Nigeria.
Our sovereignty as a nation exists because of these brave men and women.
“The Emblem Appeal is a responsibility we owe to those who laid down their lives for Nigeria and to those who returned with life-changing injuries. We must remember them in real and tangible ways.
“This is our way of saying thank you for the sacrifices that allow all of us to live in a free and united country.
The launching of the Emblem Appeal ahead of the January 15, 2026 commemoration of Armed Forces Remembrance Day has become a tradition that has come to stay in Nigeria, noting that he considers it a constitutional duty to remember the fallen heroes who have served the country, while some have become handicapped in the process as well.”
Speaking at the event, the Commandant of the Lagos Council of the Nigerian Legion, Mr Akeem Wolimoh, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and the state government for their unwavering support.
He noted that Lagos State’s consistent backing has significantly improved the welfare of Legion members, empowered their dependants through skill acquisition programmes, and strengthened the Legion’s capacity to serve its members.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to the welfare of Legionnaires and families of fallen heroes, stating that the Emblem Appeal serves as a tangible reminder of the sacrifices made to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The launch was attended by Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Secretary to the State Government, Barr. (Mrs) Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Head of Service Mr Bode Agoro; Chief of Staff Mr Tayo Ayinde; members of the State Executive Council; and top officials of the Nigerian Legion. Military representatives included Air Commodore M. A. Imam of Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja; Brigadier-General A. O. Owolabi, Commander of 9 Brigade, T.A. Lagbaja Cantonment; and Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, among others.
The event highlighted Lagos State’s ongoing commitment to honouring the nation’s military heroes and improving the living standards of serving and retired personnel.
