In a landmark development that underscores Enugu State’s growing influence in national affairs, Dr. Emeka Igwesi, the Enugu State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, has been appointed as the Deputy Commandant General (DCG) of the Nigerian Legion, making him the highest-ranking officer of the veterans’ body from the South East in recent years.
The announcement was made during the 2025 National Council meeting of the Nigerian Legion held in Abuja between June 18 - 20, where Dr. Igwesi was also named the National Coordinating Commandant, placing him in charge of overseeing the operations of the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires across the country.
He succeeds Brig. Gen. Buba David Shaljaba (rtd), the outgoing DCG, and steps into a role that exudes military discipline with civilian coordination for national security.
Dr. Igwesi’s elevation is not just a personal achievement but a monumental milestone for Enugu State, which now has a direct voice at that topmost level of a national security institution. A respected retired personnel of the Nigerian Army, Dr. Igwesi is widely admired for his sweeping reforms in the Enugu chapter of the Legion, particularly his efforts in furthering the dignity of ex-servicemen, driving welfare initiatives and most importantly his insistence in arid reforms of the Commissionaires Corps into a professional security outfit.
This national recognition is expected to translate into greater federal engagement and improved opportunities for veterans, and more robust collaborations on internal security, especially in communities where Legion members serve as community peacekeepers.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also approved the appointment of Ms. Grace Morenike Henry as the new National Chairman/Commandant General of the Nigerian Legion, following the redeployment of Maj. Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin (rtd) to head the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB).
The appointment letter, dated June 19, 2025, was signed by the President’s Private Secretary, Damilotun Aderemi, and directed to the SGF and Minister of State for Defence.
While Nigeria continues to reposition its veterans and the corps for modern challenges, Dr. Igwesi’s emergence at the national stage reaffirms Enugu’s role as a strategic contributor to national peace, security, and governance. His new office is expected to unlock opportunities that could benefit not just ex-service personnel in the states, but the wider security ecosystem in Nigeria.
