The Nigerian Legion and Zircon Projects Ltd on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of the Armed Forces Veterans Federation Fund (AFVFF).
They said AFVFF is set up to generate funds and bridge the gap in the funding of Nigerian Legion which with hereto has depended solely on donations and pledges, some of which are never honoured.
Speaking at Nigerian Legion Headquarters Abuja, during the signing ceremony the National Chairman , Nigerian Legion, Major General Abdulmalik Jibril (rtd) said that funds generated will enable Nigerian Legion’s conduct it’s mission in line with its establishment Act 2006.
To provides welfare for its esteemed members the veterans, the widows ,orphans and dependants of ex-service men and women who have selflessly served this great nation.
According to him, the establishment of AFVFF marks a new chapter in the
Legion commitment to providing sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by the Nigerian Legion in the discharge of its mandates.
“By actively seeking financial support from international and local agencies the AFVFF will serve as a critical mechanism to bridge the resources gaps that offen hinders our ability to deliver on our mission of care and service.”
General Jibril (rtd) said that it is of fact that Nigerian Legion plays a pivotal role in the lives of countless veterans and their families , many of who face difficulties that requires urgent attention , the Nigerian Legion has no predictable and sustainable funding .
He said , while Nigerian Legion will continue to engage the government for inclusion in its annual budgets, the AFVFF will provide a much needed stopgap to address the immediate needs of the veterans and their families.
The National Chairman added that “the MoU is more than a document . It is our collective resolve to stand by those who have given so much for our country”
“We aim to strengthen our capacity to provide essential support services , including health care ,housing , education,and skills development for widows,orphans and dependants of our fallen heroes, he said.
In his response, the managing Director Zircon Projects Ltd ,Supo Philips assured that they will not fail to deliver on the assigned task.
He said the challenge of funding veterans should not be left for the federal government to bear adding that public and private sector should be encouraged to participate.