The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos, on Tuesday celebrated the graduation of participants of Course 01/2026 with a colourful dinner night that drew senior military officers, captains of industry, retired personnel, families and stakeholders from across the defence community.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, Major General Shamsudeen Toyin Shafaru, congratulated the graduating participants and described the occasion as a celebration of dedication, sacrifice and distinguished service to Nigeria.
He said the successful completion of the resettlement programme marked the beginning of a new chapter for personnel who had devoted decades of their lives to safeguarding the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the country.
According to him, many of the retirees served in difficult operational environments, endured long periods away from their families and demonstrated uncommon courage in the discharge of their duties, leaving behind enduring contributions to Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.
The Army chief’s representative noted that NAFRC had continued to justify its mandate as the nation’s foremost institution for preparing retiring military personnel for productive civilian life through vocational, entrepreneurial and management training.
He stressed that the skills acquired during the programme were designed not only to provide sources of livelihood but also to empower participants to become self reliant, innovative and impactful members of society after retirement.
Shafaru urged the graduates to apply the knowledge gained at the centre, maintain the discipline and professionalism that defined their military careers and remain worthy ambassadors of the Armed Forces in their communities.
He reminded them that retirement should not be viewed as the end of service but as an opportunity to contribute to peace building, community development and national cohesion through their wealth of experience and leadership.
The senior officer also advised the retirees to approach post service life with caution, particularly in matters relating to financial management and investment decisions.
He warned them against fraudulent schemes and unfamiliar business ventures that could jeopardise their retirement benefits, urging them to rely on the entrepreneurial training acquired at the centre in making informed decisions.
Shafaru commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Armed Forces, noting that many of the gains recorded within the military establishment were made possible through the administration’s interventions.
He also praised the leadership of NAFRC for ongoing reforms, particularly in infrastructure development, welfare enhancement and curriculum improvement aimed at aligning the institution with contemporary realities.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ignatius Ilo, described the dinner as a fitting tribute to officers and men who had completed a critical transition programme ahead of retirement.
Ilo said the gathering was not only a celebration of the end of a course but also a recognition of years of patriotic service, resilience, discipline and commitment to national development.
He paid glowing tribute to spouses and families of the participants, acknowledging their sacrifices and unwavering support throughout the military careers of the graduating personnel.
The commandant stated that military service imposed enormous demands on both personnel and their families, adding that the understanding and encouragement of loved ones played a significant role in the successes being celebrated.
According to him, participants of Course 01/2026 underwent intensive vocational, entrepreneurial and management training tailored towards equipping them for successful reintegration into civilian society.
He expressed satisfaction with the discipline, maturity and commitment displayed by the participants throughout the programme, describing them as worthy representatives of the Armed Forces.
Ilo urged the graduates to remain focused, law abiding and committed to the core values of integrity, loyalty, patriotism and hard work as they begin a new phase of life outside active service.
He further encouraged them to make productive use of their acquired skills, maintain healthy lifestyles and continue pursuing personal development opportunities.
The commandant also appreciated President Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs for their support and strategic guidance towards the success of the centre’s programmes.
In a vote of thanks delivered on behalf of the graduating participants, the General Course Senior, Awo Patrick Aboho, expressed gratitude to God for a successful training period and commended the commandant for organising the memorable event.
Aboho said the participants were deeply grateful to the management, directing staff and instructors of NAFRC for their patience, mentorship and commitment, which significantly enhanced their entrepreneurial and vocational development.
He also acknowledged the contributions of administrative staff, catering personnel and support teams whose dedication helped sustain morale throughout the course, while thanking families for their prayers, love and encouragement.
The graduating participant noted that members of Course 01/2026 entered the programme as representatives of the Army, Navy and Air Force but were leaving as one united family, pledging to uphold the values and traditions of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in retirement.
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Major General AO Oyelade (mni), the Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard Limited, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General AA Babalola, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Abubakar, and the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, alongside commanders, directors, serving and retired senior officers, representatives of military and paramilitary formations, NAFRCOWA officials, captains of industry, friends of NAFRC and participants of Course 01/2026.