Oluyede Reaffirms Commitment To Retired Military Officers’ Welfare

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of military veterans in recognition of their service and sacrifices to the nation.

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

The CDS said the meeting was part of his initiative to engage directly with retired military personnel on issues relating to their welfare, administration and post-service concerns.

He described the forum as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the Armed Forces and veterans, while drawing on their wealth of experience and professional expertise to improve veterans’ administration and welfare.

General Oluyede stressed that the welfare of veterans and their families remained a priority, urging them to continue to serve as good ambassadors of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in their various communities.

He also briefed the veterans on ongoing efforts to acquire modern military platforms and force enablers, noting that some of the equipment had already arrived in the country and would enhance military operations.

On welfare initiatives, the CDS disclosed plans to facilitate access to low-interest loans from the Bank of Industry to enable veterans to establish and expand businesses after retirement.

He further highlighted improvements in medical care, including the expansion of the military hospital in Abuja, with a percentage of its facilities reserved for veterans. He also disclosed ongoing plans to establish dedicated medical facilities for veterans in each of the country’s six geopolitical zones.

During the interactive session, the veterans raised concerns bordering on gratuity computation, pension-related matters and access to medical care, among other issues, which the CDS addressed.

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

He particularly applauded the proposed establishment of dedicated military hospitals for veterans across the six geopolitical zones and the planned low-interest loan scheme to support their post-service businesses.

The engagement underscores the CDS’s commitment to strengthening veterans’ welfare and leveraging the experience of retired military personnel to enhance national defence and security.General Oluyede gave the assurance on Friday during an engagement and interactive session with military veterans from the South-South geopolitical zone at Cathelea Convention and Suites, Benin City, Edo State.

The Defence Chief had earlier held similar engagements with veterans from the South-West and North-Central geopolitical zones, with plans to extend the initiative to other parts of the country.