By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos, has inaugurated the Senior and Middle Level Entrepreneurship and Management Course 18/2026, with participants urged to embrace innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship for a productive and rewarding post-service life.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Special Guest of Honour, the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command Nigerian Air Force Lagos, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sule, described entrepreneurship as a critical driver of economic growth, job creation and self-reliance. He commended NAFRC for transforming beyond its traditional resettlement mandate into a centre for entrepreneurship development, skills acquisition and managerial capacity building.
Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sule charged participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the course by developing strategic thinking, leadership ability and efficient resource management skills that would position them as employers of labour rather than job seekers. He also stressed the need for innovation, adaptability, integrity and ethical conduct in business, noting that sustainable success depends on accountability, trust and social responsibility.
In his inaugural address, the Commandant Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ignatius Ilo, congratulated participants on their nomination for the highly competitive course, expressing confidence that the programme would strengthen their understanding of the civilian business environment and improve their decision-making capabilities. He stated that the training would help participants cultivate innovation, resilience and adaptability needed to succeed in business and leadership.
Air Vice Marshal Ilo appreciated the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, the Service Chiefs and the Chief of Defence Intelligence for approving participants’ nominations and supporting initiatives aimed at preparing personnel for productive post-service engagements. He also commended the Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, and President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for providing the necessary support and resources for the programme.
The Commandant further acknowledged the contribution of the EMPRETEC Foundation Nigeria Country Rep, Dr. Mrs Onari Duke for initiating the entrepreneurship programme designed to prepare officers for life after active military service before formally inaugurating the participants for the Mid and Senior Level Officers’ Entrepreneurship and Management Course 18/2026.
Speaking on behalf of the Empretec Nigeria Foundation, Dr. Lemmy Omololu said the programme was aimed at equipping officers with entrepreneurial knowledge, leadership skills and the right mindset required to transform military experience into sustainable economic ventures and national development opportunities.
Dr Lemmy Omololu disclosed that the programme commenced with agricultural management training facilitated by professionals from NAFRC, followed by an intensive entrepreneurship workshop conducted by UNCTAD-certified Master Trainer, Mr Ekpa Aniekan. He added that participants would also embark on strategic study tours to leading organisations and enterprises to gain practical exposure to business operations and management systems.
According to him, the curriculum for senior officers focuses on 21st-century leadership, strategic decision-making, project management, profitability and corporate governance, while mid-level officers would undergo training in emotional intelligence, transformational leadership, legal frameworks, marketing strategies and work-life balance.
Dr Lemmy Omololu described the partnership between Empretec Nigeria Foundation and NAFRC as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital aimed at ensuring military personnel remain economically productive and continue contributing meaningfully to national growth and development after retirement from active service.
The event underscored the commitment of The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre and the Empretec Nigeria Foundation to preparing military personnel for successful post-service careers through entrepreneurship, leadership development and capacity building, while contributing to national economic growth and sustainable development.
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