Eben Enacsco

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to improving the welfare and living conditions of retired military personnel across the country.

Oluyede gave the assurance during an interactive engagement with retired military personnel from the South-South geopolitical zone at Cathelea Convention and Suites, Benin City, Edo State, on Friday.

He said the meeting formed part of his nationwide initiative to engage directly with military veterans and address issues relating to their welfare, administration and post-service challenges.

The CDS described the engagement as an important platform for drawing on the wealth of experience of retired military officers in shaping policies and programmes that affect veterans and their families.

He urged retired personnel to continue serving as worthy ambassadors of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in their respective communities, stressing that their sacrifices to the nation deserved sustained recognition, appreciation and improved welfare.

On measures to enhance their economic wellbeing, Oluyede disclosed that the Armed Forces was collaborating with the Bank of Industry to provide low-interest loans to veterans interested in establishing or expanding businesses after retirement.

He also announced plans to strengthen healthcare services for retired personnel, including the expansion of the military hospital in Abuja, with a designated quota for veterans, as well as the proposed establishment of dedicated military hospitals in each of the six geopolitical zones.

During the interactive session, participants raised concerns bordering on gratuity computation, pension administration and access to quality medical care. The CDS reportedly responded to the issues raised, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges confronting retired personnel.

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association (RANAO), Colonel Tony Ogbomo (rtd.), commended the CDS for his sustained attention to the welfare of military veterans.

Ogbomo particularly welcomed the proposed establishment of zonal military hospitals and the low-interest loan scheme, describing the initiatives as timely interventions capable of improving the quality of life of retired personnel.

The Benin City engagement is part of a nationwide consultation by the Chief of Defence Staff, following similar interactions with veterans in the South-West and North-Central geopolitical zones.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening relations between serving and retired military personnel, addressing post-service welfare concerns and leveraging the experience of veterans to enhance national security and defence administration.