Aftermath of the protest by some military retirees in Abuja, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has engaged veterans in the North-East zone, reaffirming the commitment of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to their welfare and dignity.

Some retirees had stormed the Ministry of Defence Headquartres, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, on Wednesday, to protest the non-payment of their over one year pension arrears.

At the engagement with North-East zone veterans on Thursday in Yola, the Capital of Adamawa State, Oluyede assured the retirees that attention is being given to their welfare.

The engagement, according to a statement by the Director Defence Information (DDI), is the second in a series of scheduled zonal consultations with veterans across the country.

Addressing concerns over salary increment, the CDS assured the veterans that the excercise is all inclusive. He explained that the implementation is ongoing and reaffirmed that in line with extant policies, adjustments to the emoluments of serving personnel has a consequential increase to the pensions of veterans.

Oluyede also highlighted ongoing DHQ initiatives aimed at improving the lives of veterans and their families, adding that the measures include ongoing collaboration with the Bank of Industry to facilitate access to low digit loans for business enterprises.

He said the low digit loans is for both serving and retired personnel including their families, as well as the ongoing construction of the Defence Hospital, which will reserve a percentage of its patronage for veterans.

He noted that all the initiatives had the blessing of President Bola Tinubu who deliberately provided resources to drive them so as to appreciate the sacrifices of both serving and retired personnel.

The veterans also used the occasion to present other welfare concerns, which the CDS addressed and assured them would continue to receive appropriate attention.

The engagement, attended by veteran leaders led by the President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association (RANAO), Maj.-Gen. H.A. Salihu (rtd), Maj.-Gen. L.P. Ngubane (rtd) and AVM N.E.Nzokala (rtd) provided a platform for frank dialogue and renewed confidence.

Speaking on behalf of the veterans, the President RANAO expressed gratitude to the CDS and called on veterans to support the good efforts being made by the leadership of the armed forces under General Oluyede to improve welfare of personnel and veterans.

Oluyede paid tribute to the veterans for the sacrifices they made in the defence of the nation, stressing that the uniform may have been taken off, but the nation’s gratitude will never fade.

He assured them that the Defence Headquarters under the umbrella of the Ministry of Defense , will continue to work towards improving their welfare, noting that Nigeria will forever cherish the service, courage and sacrifices of those who served to keep the nation safe.