By Emma Nnadozie

A military veteran and 2025 Ojo Local Government chairmanship aspirant, Olumayowa Akogun-Abudu, has raised concerns about the alleged misappropriation and mismanagement of funds generated from the Nigerian Army emblem launch.

Olumayowa disclosed this to journalists on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at his residence in Ojo Local Government, Lagos State.

He said, “There are disturbing allegations surrounding the mismanagement of funds generated from the yearly Nigerian Army emblem launch, which are meant to support veterans. Instead, it appears that these funds are being diverted for other purposes, leaving many veterans to suffer in poverty.”

He also alleged that the Nigerian Legion, established to support veterans, has been compromised under the leadership of Major General Abdulmalik Jubril (Rtd.). According to him, civilians without prior military experience are joining the legion and participating in events such as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day alongside actual veterans. “This adulteration of the legion’s original purpose is unacceptable and demands investigation,” he said.

Lamenting the situation, Olumayowa noted, “The proceeds from the yearly emblem launch are not being utilized to support veterans as intended. There is a need for a thorough investigation into the management of emblem funds and the operations of the Nigerian Legion.”

He further emphasized the importance of a probe by the federal government and defense headquarters into the alleged misappropriation of emblem funds and the participation of civilians in the legion’s events.

Olumayowa also accused a retired Major General of persistently seeking control of military veterans’ palliative funds, delaying their disbursement. Efforts to address this issue with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs have, so far, been unsuccessful.