By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Defence Headquarters has organized a 3 day Skills Acquisition Training for Veterans of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in the North East Geo-Political Zone.
The Training is aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of Veterans as well as empowering them against the effects of the increasingly difficult economic climate held at the 23 Brigade Officers’ Mess, Gibson Jalo Cantonment, Yola between 19 – 21 November, 2025.
The theme of this year’s training is “Empowering Veterans Through Skills Acquisition for Capacity Building and Sustainability”.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, AFM, represented by the Director, Veteran Affairs Division of the Defence Headquarters, Major General Oluwafemi Williams said the initiative would afford Veterans with relevant knowledge and skills to have a meaningful post-service life.
The CDS noted that the training would cover a diverse range of vocational skills, livestock management, financial literacy and business opportunity identification that would resolve the long-standing concern and improve the wellbeing and quality of life of the Veterans.
In his keynote address, the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, His Excellency, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri represented by the Chief of Staff, Dr Amos Edgar lauded the CDS for the initiative, emphasizing that the training would significantly improve the economic wellbeing of Veterans in the North -East Geo Political Zone.
He urged the participants to take full advantage of this opportunity and maximize the knowledge offered by the expert facilitators.
In his welcome address, the Director, VAD Major General Williams represented by the Deputy Director, VAD (Army), Brigadier General Caius Baushe said the CDS has prioritized the welfare of both serving and retired personnel and their families.
He added that the initiative was designed to empower veterans through relevant education to cater for the inadequate preparation after service, saying the training would promote capacity building of the Veterans.
Highlights of the event include a series of lectures delivered by the seasoned facilitators, presentation of certificates to the participants, presentation of souvenirs to the invited dignitaries and facilitators while the taking of the group photographs climax the occasion.
Dignitaries that grace the occasion are the Chief of Staff to the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Dr Amos Edgar, Acting Commander Sector 4 Operation Hadin Kai/Commander 23 Brigade, Brigadier General Amechi Agwu who represented the General Officer Commanding, 3 Division Nigerian Army and the Commander 153 Base Services Group, Group Captain MM Muazu among others.
