A total of 542 retiring personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces have successfully completed their pre-discharge training at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Lagos, as part of efforts to reintegrate servicemen and women into productive civilian life.
The Passing Out Ceremony, held on June 19, 2025, was attended by top military dignitaries, including the Special Guest of Honour, Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, represented by Major General Kelvin Aligbe, Commander TRADOC. The Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Rimi Mamman, presided over the event.
Addressing the graduating participants, AVM Mamman highlighted the significance of the occasion as the first passing out for the year, commending the dedication and achievements of the course participants who had undergone six months of intensive vocational training.
“Today is a memorable day not only for the graduating personnel but for the entire NAFRC community. These senior citizens have demonstrated commitment and resilience in preparing for post-service life,” Mamman stated.
He noted that the Centre has trained over 53,000 personnel since inception and is committed to providing quality vocational training, research, and consultancy to support retiring personnel. Some recent achievements include infrastructural upgrades, acquisition of a Jet Mover ambulance, solar-powered streetlights, and the ongoing development of a 30-hectare agricultural land in Epe, Lagos.
The Centre also introduced lectures on business registration and entrepreneurship in collaboration with the Corporate Affairs Commission to prepare participants for economic self-reliance. Other innovations include the enhancement of e-learning platforms and skills training for widows and orphans of deceased personnel.
Speaking on the highlights of Course 1/2025, Brigadier General IO Olatunji, Director of Training, revealed that 585 personnel were initially enrolled, with 43 declared medically unfit.
The final graduating strength includes 362 personnel from the Nigerian Army, 134 from the Navy, and 46 from the Air Force. Notably, 24 female personnel were among the graduates.
Participants were trained across 33 skill acquisition workshops, including welding, fine arts, ICT, agriculture, and security management. Their curriculum also included entrepreneurship, management, and behavioral studies. Each participant undertook industrial training in locations across Nigeria, aligning with their preferred post-retirement destinations.
“Graduands are now equipped to manage businesses, contribute to national development, and apply their skills in civilian contexts,” Olatunji affirmed.
In his keynote speech, the Special Guest of Honour commended the resilience of the participants and urged them to uphold military values in civilian life.
“As ambassadors of the Armed Forces, the society expects high ethical standards from you,” Oluyede said. “Let retirement mark the beginning of a new chapter filled with promise, not an end to your service.”
He advised the retirees to avoid extravagant lifestyles and remain vigilant against post-service pitfalls such as poor financial management and negative influences. He also emphasized their potential roles in supporting security within their communities.
Oluyede expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his continued support of military welfare, including increased starter packs, and infrastructural improvements at NAFRC.
He also thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, and other Service Chiefs for their strategic leadership.
The ceremony ended with the formal conferment of NAFRC Certificates to the graduates, many of whom showcased their final projects and products during an exhibition that followed the event.
