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The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, on Friday said Federal Government remains committed to improving the welfare of veterans in appreciation of their sacrifices.
General Oluyede made this known during his interactive session with veterans from the Southwest region at the Headquarters, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan as part of his ongoing nationwide engagement with veterans.
He assured the veterans of sustained welfare initiatives aimed at making their lives more comfortable after service, saying, “Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by the nation”.
Commending the Army veterans from the Southwest region for their years of sacrifice in keeping the nation united and peaceful, the CDS solicited for their greater participation in the national security architecture.
General Oluyede cited the recent increment in salaries of serving personnel and the consequential adjustment of veterans’ pensions as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s gratitude to the Armed Forces for their service to the nation.
The CDS noted that issues arising from the consequential adjustment of pensions are being addressed and that data collation is ongoing and necessary processes are at advanced stages towards actualisation.
Outlining the several initiatives being pursued by the Defence Headquarters to improve the welfare of both serving personnel and veterans, he stressed that among these was his determination to dedicate at least one hospital in each geopolitical zone specifically to cater for the medical needs of veterans, in addition to existing healthcare arrangements.
General Oluyede while stressing of ongoing efforts to establish a low-interest loan scheme for veterans to enable them engage in productive ventures and businesses after service, hinted of the recently launched Defence Headquarters Online Shop in collaboration with Konga.
He maintained that efforts are ongoing to expand the scheme to bring more major businesses on board to offer discounted goods and services to personnel and veterans, urging that the veterans should continue to contribute their quota to peace and security in their respective communities and to sustain prayers for serving personnel as they strive to keep the nation peaceful and secure.
Speaking, President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association (RANAO), Major General HA Salihu (rtd), thanked the CDS for the engagement and urged veterans to continue to embrace dialogue in resolving issues of concern.
Major General AG Adewuyi (rtd) while moving the vote of thanks on behalf of the veterans, commended the CDS for his continued attention to veterans’ matters and his commitment to routine engagements to hear directly from them.
Major General Adewuyi (rtd) also appreciated the General Officer Commanding 2 Division Major General Ahmed Mamuda for the hospitality extended to veterans by the Division.
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