The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of retired military personnel through better healthcare, pension adjustments and financial support for productive ventures.

Oluyede gave the assurance on Friday during an interactive session with veterans from the Southwest region at the Headquarters of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan.

The engagement was part of his ongoing nationwide consultations with veterans of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The CDS, who appreciated the veterans for their sacrifices towards keeping the country united and peaceful, assured them that their contributions to national security would not be forgotten.

“Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by the nation,” he said.

Oluyede cited the recent salary increase for serving military personnel and the consequential adjustment of veterans’ pensions as evidence of the government’s commitment to recognising the sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces.

He added that issues arising from the pension adjustments were being addressed.
The CDS also disclosed plans to dedicate at least one hospital in each of the six geopolitical zones to cater specifically for veterans’ medical needs, in addition to existing healthcare arrangements.

According to him, data collection is ongoing, while the necessary processes for implementing the initiative are at an advanced stage.

He also revealed that the Defence Headquarters was working towards establishing a low-interest loan scheme to enable retired military personnel to establish businesses and engage in other productive ventures after service.

Oluyede also highlighted the Defence Headquarters Online Shop, launched in collaboration with Konga, which offers discounted goods and services to military personnel and veterans.

He said efforts were ongoing to bring more major businesses into the scheme to expand access to affordable products and services.
The CDS also urged veterans to continue contributing to peace and security in their respective communities and to support serving military personnel through their advice and prayers.

During the interactive session, the veterans raised concerns about their entitlements, welfare programmes and administrative matters, which were addressed by the CDS and other senior military officials.

Those who provided further clarification included the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim; the Commandant of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Air Vice Marshal N.I. Iloh; and the Chairman of the Military Pensions Board, Major General J.E. Osifoh.

The President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association (RANAO), Major General H.A. Salihu (rtd), commended the CDS for the engagement and urged veterans to embrace dialogue in resolving issues affecting them.

Similarly, Major General A.G. Adewuyi (rtd), who delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the veterans, appreciated Oluyede’s sustained attention to their welfare and his commitment to regular engagements with retired personnel.

Adewuyi also commended the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mamuda, for the hospitality extended to the veterans during the meeting.