The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos, on Thursday graduated 812 retiring military personnel after completing its Course 01/2026 pre discharge training programme designed to prepare service members for productive civilian life.
The passing out ceremony brought together senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, corporate partners, families and well wishers to celebrate the participants who have spent more than three decades serving Nigeria in various operational and peace support missions.
Representing the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdul Suleh, praised the graduating personnel for their sacrifices, patriotism and unwavering commitment to national security.
He described the ceremony as a celebration of courage, discipline and service, noting that the participants had distinguished themselves in counter insurgency operations, internal security assignments, peacekeeping missions and humanitarian interventions both within and outside Nigeria.
According to him, the graduates are leaving active military service with honour and remarkable accomplishments after contributing significantly to the defence, unity and territorial integrity of the country.
The Air Officer Commanding urged the retirees to approach civilian life with the same discipline, resilience and determination that defined their military careers, stressing that the vocational and entrepreneurial skills acquired during the six month programme would remain valuable tools for future success.
He advised them to invest wisely, avoid fraudulent investment schemes and remain committed to integrity, loyalty and selfless service, values that earned them respect throughout their years in uniform.
Suleh also encouraged the retirees to continue contributing to national development through community engagement, mentorship and support for lawful security initiatives, noting that their leadership experience remains a national asset.
He commended NAFRC for its growing reputation as a centre of excellence in vocational and entrepreneurial development, particularly for retiring military personnel seeking economic independence after service.
The representative of the Chief of the Air Staff further applauded the leadership of the Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ignatius Ilo, for introducing reforms aimed at modernising the institution and expanding its impact.
He highlighted ongoing infrastructure upgrades, improved welfare initiatives and curriculum reforms tailored to meet contemporary economic realities and emerging opportunities.
Suleh also conveyed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the welfare, operational effectiveness and professional development of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ignatius Ilo, said the graduation ceremony marked not merely the completion of a course but the beginning of another productive phase in the lives of the participants.
He noted that the centre has continued to equip retiring personnel with practical vocational, entrepreneurial and management skills needed to become self reliant and contribute meaningfully to national development.
According to him, since assuming office on December 15, 2025, his administration has pursued a comprehensive reform agenda focused on infrastructure renewal, curriculum enhancement, personnel welfare and stronger community engagement.
Among the initiatives highlighted were a major medical outreach programme at the Ladipo International Auto Spare Parts Market, extensive renovation projects across the centre, improved accommodation facilities and the installation of additional solar powered streetlights.
The Commandant disclosed that NAFRC had also undertaken a comprehensive review of its training curriculum with greater emphasis on digital entrepreneurship, information technology, agribusiness, renewable energy, vocational innovation and modern business management.
He revealed that discussions had commenced with the Tony Elumelu Foundation on a proposed empowerment programme for widows and children of fallen military personnel, aimed at providing skills and economic opportunities for affected families.
Ilo expressed appreciation to the President, the Ministry of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs for their support, which he said had contributed significantly to recent achievements recorded by the institution.
He also acknowledged the support of several corporate organisations and partners including logistics, pharmaceutical, financial and manufacturing companies that contributed to the successful conduct of the training programme.
Presenting the course report, Director of Training, Brigadier General Isang Akpaumontia, disclosed that the participants assembled at the centre on January 9, 2026, with a total enrolment of 812 senior non commissioned officers drawn from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force.
He explained that after medical screening, 86 participants were declared medically unfit and returned to their units, while 724 successfully completed all requirements for graduation and certificate awards.
The Director of Training disclosed that the participants received intensive instruction across 33 vocational and entrepreneurial disciplines, including information technology, agriculture, welding and fabrication, tailoring, bakery, photography, leather works, cosmetics production, security management and business development.
He added that the programme included practical training, entrepreneurship lectures, study tours, industrial attachments and counselling sessions designed to prepare participants mentally, professionally and financially for retirement.
Akpaumontia noted that 71 female personnel participated successfully in the six month programme alongside their male counterparts, demonstrating the growing contribution of women across the Armed Forces.
In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Commandant, Major General Akiniyi Oladapo Oyelade, praised military authorities, government agencies, corporate organisations, training partners and families for supporting the programme and ensuring its success.
He paid special tribute to the spouses and families of the retiring personnel for their sacrifices throughout decades of military service, describing them as the silent pillars behind the achievements of the graduates.
The ceremony ended with the formal conferment of NAFRC certificates on the participants, who were encouraged to embrace retirement as a new chapter of productivity, entrepreneurship and national service beyond the military profession.