By Desire Uzochukwu
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has announced plans to establish dedicated hospitals for military veterans across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and introduce low-interest loans to support their businesses after retirement.
Oluyede disclosed this on Friday during an interactive session with veterans from the South-West region at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The engagement formed part of his ongoing nationwide consultations with retired personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The proposed hospitals are expected to provide dedicated healthcare services for veterans, while the planned loan scheme aims to help retired military personnel establish businesses and pursue other productive economic activities.
The CDS said data collection was ongoing and preparations for the proposed hospitals had reached advanced stages. He added that the Defence Headquarters was pursuing several initiatives to improve the welfare of serving personnel and retired members of the Armed Forces.
Addressing the veterans, Oluyede acknowledged their contributions to national unity and security, assuring them that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
“Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by the nation,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving veterans’ welfare in recognition of their service to the country.
According to him, the recent salary increase for serving military personnel and the consequential adjustment of veterans’ pensions reflect the government’s appreciation of the Armed Forces’ contributions to national security.
However, Oluyede acknowledged that some issues arising from the pension adjustment remained under consideration, assuring the veterans that efforts were being made to address them.
He also highlighted the Defence Headquarters’ online shop, launched in collaboration with Konga, as another initiative designed to improve the purchasing power and welfare of serving personnel and military veterans.
The defence chief said efforts were underway to expand the initiative by involving more major businesses to provide discounted goods and services to serving and retired members of the Armed Forces.
Beyond welfare initiatives, Oluyede urged veterans to remain actively involved in promoting peace and security in their communities, emphasising that their contributions remained important even after retirement.
He also appealed to them to continue praying for serving military personnel, who, he said, remained committed to keeping the country peaceful and secure.
The interactive session provided an opportunity for retired military personnel to raise concerns and seek clarification on issues relating to their welfare, entitlements and administrative arrangements.
Oluyede addressed the issues raised, while senior military officials at the meeting provided further explanations on matters within their respective areas of responsibility.
Those present included the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim; the Commandant of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Air Vice Marshal NI Iloh; and the Chairman of the Military Pensions Board, Major General JE Osifoh.
Discussions centred on veterans’ entitlements, welfare programmes and other administrative matters affecting retired personnel.
Speaking at the event, the President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association (RANAO), Major General HA Salihu (rtd), thanked the CDS for engaging directly with veterans and encouraged retired personnel to continue using dialogue to resolve issues affecting them.
Similarly, Major General AG Adewuyi (rtd), who delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the veterans, commended Oluyede for his continued attention to their welfare and commitment to regular engagements aimed at addressing their concerns.
Adewuyi also appreciated the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Ahmed Mamuda, for the hospitality extended to the veterans during the meeting.
