The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to improving the welfare, dignity and wellbeing of Nigeria’s military veterans.
General Oluyede gave the assurance during an interactive engagement with veterans from the North East geopolitical zone in Yola, Adamawa State.
The engagement, which was the second in a series of scheduled zonal consultations, provided an avenue for veterans to openly present their concerns and receive responses from the Defence leadership.
Addressing concerns over salary increments, the CDS explained that the ongoing implementation is all inclusive, noting that adjustments to the emoluments of serving personnel have consequential implications for the pensions of retired personnel in line with existing policies.
General Oluyede highlighted several Defence Headquarters initiatives designed to improve the welfare of veterans and their families, including collaboration with the Bank of Industry to provide access to low interest loans for business ventures.
He also disclosed that the ongoing construction of the Defence Hospital would reserve a percentage of its patronage for veterans, providing improved access to healthcare for retired military personnel.
The CDS stated that the welfare initiatives have the backing of the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Tinubu, who has provided resources to support programmes aimed at appreciating the sacrifices of serving and retired personnel.
Veterans at the engagement presented additional welfare concerns, which the CDS addressed while assuring them that their issues would continue to receive appropriate attention from the Defence Headquarters.
The meeting was attended by veteran leaders, including the President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association (RANAO), Major General HA Salihu (rtd), Major General LP Ngubane (rtd) and Air Vice Marshal NE Nzokala (rtd).
Speaking on behalf of the veterans, the RANAO President expressed appreciation to the CDS and urged veterans to support ongoing efforts by the Armed Forces leadership to improve the welfare of serving personnel and retirees.
In his closing remarks, General Oluyede paid tribute to the veterans for their sacrifices in defending Nigeria, assuring them that although they may have taken off the uniform, the nation’s gratitude for their service, courage and sacrifices would never fade.
