The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has announced plans to reorganize existing welfare schemes and introduce new initiatives aimed at equipping Nigerian Army personnel for life after service.
Speaking on Monday at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Accounts (NASFA) Auditorium, Arakan Cantonment, Apapa, Lagos, during the Third Quarter Year 2025 Veteran Affairs Pre-Retirement Training/Business Development Seminar, the COAS said the reforms are in line with his “Soldier First” philosophy, which prioritizes the welfare of personnel.
Represented by the Commander, Corps of Engineers, Major General Thanks Numbere, Oluyede stressed that the initiative seeks to prepare soldiers not only for the demands of military service but also for the uncertainties of post-retirement life. The seminar, themed “Building Resilience of Personnel/Veterans for Thriving in Post-Retirement Life,” aims to provide participants with the skills, mindset, and strategies required to successfully transition to civilian life.
The Chief of Administration (Army), Major General LA Fejokwu, represented by the Deputy Chief of Administration (Veterans Affairs Directorate), Major General Tamunobere Opuene, described the seminar as critical to enabling personnel and veterans to enjoy more fulfilling and productive post-military careers.
In his welcome remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, expressed satisfaction at hosting the event, noting that it was both timely and impactful. He urged participants to take full advantage of the training to equip themselves for opportunities after service.
The first day of the week-long seminar featured expert presentations, the exchange of souvenirs, and group photographs. The Nigerian Army says the programme underscores its ongoing commitment to the welfare and long-term well-being of its personnel.