The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Nigerian Female Military Veterans Association (FMVAN), Major General Abimbola Amusu (Retd), has disclosed that many retired female military personnel are suffering from physical or mental scars.
Amusu, a former Commander of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps, said some of them faced disabilities, homelessness, or, in cases where they paid the ultimate price, left behind families who grieved in silence.
She spoke in Abuja at the official launch of the Female Military Veterans Association of Nigeria (FMVAN).
The retired major general, however, expressed delight at the association’s establishment, which she noted, would create a space for intellectual, social, and emotional engagement among female military veterans.
She said: “As we’ve noted, there is still a need for more recognition of veterans in Nigeria. I hope this event encourages both the corporate and social sectors to acknowledge that all veterans, both male and female, deserve appreciation. Women have played vital roles in the military globally, particularly during the two world wars.
“These conflicts greatly expanded their involvement from behind-the-scenes support to front-line responsibilities. However, after the wars, many of these women were forgotten, with little record of their contributions. Some faced disabilities, homelessness, or, in cases where they paid the ultimate price, left behind families who grieved in silence.
“They were often neither rehabilitated nor honoured for their service. Women’s service in war goes beyond the immediate risk of life—it often means postponing marriage, delaying having children, or sacrificing further education. Many leave the military with permanent physical or mental scars, and sadly, female veterans in Nigeria seem to fade into obscurity after retirement.
“The Nigerian Female Military Veterans Association has been established to honour each other as veterans and create a space for intellectual, social, and emotional engagement’’.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the association, Veteran Morenike Grace Henry (Retired), lamented that some of the female military veterans.
She said: “The idea of supporting female veterans holds great importance for me. Through my travels, I have witnessed the unique challenges they face. Many female veterans are single mothers or, heartbreakingly, have no family to turn to.
“I know women who served and sacrificed, yet now, at an advanced age, find themselves with minimal support and resources. Some live on a mere 35,000 Naira monthly pension, which barely covers basic living expenses’’.