By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured veterans of the Armed Forces of Nigeria of sustained welfare initiatives aimed at making their lives more comfortable after service, while calling for their greater participation in the national security architecture.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Major General Samaila Uba, Director, Defence Information, on 23 October 2026.
The assurance was given during his interactive session with veterans from the Southwest region at Headquarters, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, on Thursday, 23 October 2026, as part of his ongoing nationwide engagement with veterans.
Addressing the veterans, the CDS appreciated them for their years of sacrifice in keeping the nation united and peaceful.
“Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by the nation,” General Oluyede affirmed.
He noted that the Federal Government remains committed to improving the welfare of veterans in appreciation of their sacrifices. He 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. He added that issues arising from the consequential adjustment of pensions are being addressed.
The CDS further outlined several initiatives being pursued by the Defence Headquarters to improve the welfare of both serving personnel and veterans. Among these is 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. He informed the veterans that data collation is ongoing and necessary processes are at advanced stages towards actualisation.
The CDS also disclosed ongoing efforts to establish a low-interest loan scheme for veterans to enable them engage in productive ventures and businesses after service.
He explained the recently launched Defence Headquarters Online Shop in collaboration with Konga, noting 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.
He called on veterans to 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.
During the interactive session, veterans raised pressing concerns and sought clarifications on issues affecting them, which were promptly addressed by the CDS.
On hand to provide further clarifications were the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, the Commandant, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Air Vice Marshal N.I. Iloh, and the Chairman, Military Pensions Board, Major General J.E. Osifoh.
Issues bordering on veterans’ entitlements, welfare programmes and other administrative matters were extensively discussed.
In his remarks, the President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association (RANAO), Major General H.A. Salihu (rtd), thanked the CDS for the engagement and urged veterans to continue to embrace dialogue in resolving issues of concern.
Moving the vote of thanks on behalf of the veterans, Major General A.G. Adewuyi (rtd) appreciated the CDS, particularly commending his continued attention to veterans’ matters and his commitment to routine engagements to hear directly from them. He also appreciated the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Auwalu Mamuda, for the hospitality extended to veterans by the Division.
