By Lanre Oloyede
Good times await Nigerian veterans as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa have reached partnership agreement on a project tagged: Operation Heroes’ Legacy” (OHL).
The partnership agreement was reached Thursday when the Senior presidential aide led his team to pay an advocacy visit to the military chief at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
Operation Heroes’ Legacy” (OHL), which is one of the offshoots of the Beyond Disability Project, is a comprehensive program targeted at supporting and recognizing the sacrifices of Nigerian veterans many of whom have paid the supreme price while others sustained life-time injuries in the course of securing and protecting the territorial integrity of our nation.
Additionally, the project was conceived with the objectives of ensuring that the country’s heroes receive the care and recognition they deserve, and to address the critical needs of Nigerian veterans and their families.
Recall that the Beyond Disability Project, an initiative of the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, was launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on July 22 at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Aso Villa with the aim of empowering over 5000 Persons With Disabilities and equally generate over 36,551 job opportunities across the 36 states and FCT at the implementation stage.
While delivering his speech, Hon. Abba Isa noted that the OHL Project is “more than just a program – it’s a symbol of our nation’s gratitude and commitment to those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom and security.”
The SSAP maintained that the objectives of the OHL program perfectly aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the President’s vision for an inclusive and equitable society, where no one is left behind.
The presidential aide stressed that by providing comprehensive support services, including healthcare, education, and economic empowerment, we can ensure that our veterans thrive long after their service.
He said: “Our veterans, the gallant men and women who have served in the Nigerian Armed Forces, have continuously demonstrated unwavering courage, resilience, and patriotism. They have defended our sovereignty, maintained peace, and upheld the integrity of our nation. Their sacrifices, often at great personal cost, deserve our utmost respect, recognition, and support.
“”Operation Heroes’ Legacy” (OHL) is a program meticulously crafted to ensure that our veterans receive the honor and care they rightfully deserve. The core objectives of this initiative are multifaceted, aiming to address various aspects of our veterans’ lives post-service.
“By supporting our veterans, we are not only recognizing their sacrifices but also tapping into their potential to contribute to national development.”
In his response, the highly enthused Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, welcome the SSAP team with open arms and warm reception, while describing the initiative as a lofty one that is timely and needful to address the challenges being faced by the nation’s veterans.
Gen. Musa, who endorsed the OHL Project wholeheartedly, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Hon. Abba Isa as the SSA on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, describing his appointment as square peg in a square hole.
As part of partnership agreement reached, the CDS approved the setting up of Bilateral committee consisting of nominees from both offices to champion the implementation of the Project.
The military chief also directed the department of wounded veterans to collaborate with the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities on the realization of the objectives of the Project.
The Chief of Defence Staff then honoured and decorated Hon. Abba Isa with the military emblem of honour which is a symbol or insignia that represents a high level of achievement, courage or service in the military or to the nation
Parts of the objectives of the OHL Project includes:
1. Provision of improve healthcare access, including mental health support, for veterans.
2. Empowering veterans through education, skills development, and economic opportunities.
3. Establishing a Memorial Hall of Fame to honor and recognize the sacrifices of veterans.
4. Providing educational scholarships for veterans’ children and dependants.
5. Producing a documentary on Nigerian veterans from the First Republic to the Third Republic.
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