From Chuks Onuoha, Umuahia
The Abia State chapter of the Corps of Nigerian Commissionaires, otherwise called the Nigerian Legion, recently empowered about 20 widows whose husbands have passed on after meritoriously serving the nation in the military.
The empowerment programme took place during the passing out parade of the Batch ‘C’ cadets, 2017 Legion Officers, at Ibeku High School, Umuahia, Abia State.
The ceremony, which attracted men and women from all walks of life, had the theme “The Role of the Corps of Nigerian Commissionaires in National Security.”
In his welcome address, the Abia State Corps Commander, Ogbonna Anthony C., noted that the event was remarkable, attracting special guests and showing the social relevance of the Corps of Nigerian Commissionaires. He said the empowerment of widows of fallen heroes was uppermost in the minds of the members.
“Their husbands served their fatherland well, and we decided to empower them so that life would not be too difficult for them. The empowerment will assist them to take care of their family members. We gave out 20 gifts, including seven sewing machines and 13 grinding machines. Some of the beneficiaries are women from the barracks, while others have left the barracks and are residing in their homes,” he said.
Mrs. Ochi Onuekwuzunma, a 63-year-old mother of three from Umuda Isingwu in Umuahia North Local Government Area, who received a sewing machine, lauded her benefactors for the gesture.
“We did not know why we were invited. We came here today only to see our husbands’ colleagues giving us these gifts. I am a seamstress, but because of some challenges I abandoned that profession. Today, God has used these people to bring me back,” she said.
Another beneficiary, 73-year-old Mrs. Florence Kalibe, said the gesture still seemed like a dream: “I feel very happy that God made it possible for me to be so empowered. I am from Ohokobo Ndume Ibeku. My husband was a retired soldier who died two years ago. I pray that God will bless them.”
Mrs. Dorothy Ezekiel Nzenwa, 72, recalled that she served with her husband in the Nigerian Army, adding that his service number was 18141952.
“He served in Port Harcourt, Jos and in Zamfara State. He died last year at 82 after a leg problem that lasted 10 years. I thank God today that the legionnaires remembered us. God will surely bless them.”
Ogbonna said the passing out parade was a milestone in the history of the Corps of Nigerian Commissionaires.
“Our mission and objective is to support and build an enduring bridge of relationship between the Nigerian armed forces and other auxiliary forces, and provide effective humanitarian support to these men and women who have meritoriously served this great nation of ours. It is expedient to state here that the Nigerian Legion Act also provides a golden opportunity for honorary members of the society who have distinguished themselves to be enlisted as members of the Corps of Nigerian Commissionaires, provided they are eligible citizens of Nigeria and are willing to contribute to this noble cause of supporting ex-servicemen and women, especially the family of our fallen heroes.
“I, therefore, extend my invitation to eligible and distinguished individuals, corporate bodies and churches within the command to avail themselves of the opportunity by picking the enrolment forms and commencing the Batch ‘D’ training,” he said.
He explained that the Nigerian Legion is to constitutionally provide service and welfare for the widows of ex-service men that distinguished themselves in the wars in which Nigeria took part. The act, which made provision for the enrolment of members, stated five classes of membership, ordinary members, life members, honorary members, associate members and women auxiliary members.
“We are aware of the present security challenges confronting our nation and, since security is everyone’s business, we are lending a helping hand to our security agencies to fight the menace,” the commandant said.
According to him, members of the organisation that were being inaugurated were all professionals in their fields of endeavour: “They are men and women of impeccable character who have volunteered to serve humanity and their fatherland in these trying times. These men and women are passing out today, having undergone series of training for the past six months on security and safety, which qualified them for the provision of humanitarian services.”
Ogbonna advised those passing out to maintain high ethical standards as enshrined in the Nigerian Legion Act, urging them to remember that their acceptance was revocable whenever they contravened the laws of the land or dragged the reputation of the organisation in the mud.
The Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police, as well as the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps were all represented at the event.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, was also represented even as many traditional rulers and clerics graced the occasion.