By Ruth Dabo
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has unveiled a series of new welfare initiatives and reforms aimed at equipping Nigerian Army personnel for life after military service.
The announcement was made on Monday, 4 August 2025, at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Accounts (NASFA), Arakan Cantonment, Apapa, Lagos, during the Third Quarter Year 2025 Veteran Affairs Pre-Retirement Training and Business Development Seminar.
Represented by the Commander Corps of Engineers, Major General Thanks Numbere, the Chief of Army Staff stated that the initiative is in line with his “Soldier First” philosophy, which prioritizes the welfare of troops both during active service and beyond.
He emphasized that the transition to civilian life is often challenging, and it is therefore imperative to provide personnel with the tools and mindset required to thrive after retirement.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the seminar, themed “Building Resilience of Personnel/Veterans for Thriving in Post-Retirement Life,” is part of broader efforts by Army Headquarters to institutionalize structured support systems for retiring personnel.
The Chief of Army Staff noted that the welfare and well-being of troops remain central to his command philosophy, which seeks to reposition the Nigerian Army into a professionally responsive force capable of fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities in a joint and multi-agency environment.
In his remarks, the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General L.A. Fejokwu, represented by the Deputy Chief of Administration (Veterans Affairs), Major General Tamunobere Opuene, described the seminar as a crucial step in preparing Army personnel for a purposeful and impactful post-service life.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, welcomed participants and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to host the seminar.
He described it as a timely initiative and urged attendees to take advantage of the knowledge and skills to be shared.
The opening day of the week-long seminar featured technical presentations by subject matter experts, the presentation of souvenirs, and a group photograph session.
The Nigerian Army continues to demonstrate its commitment to comprehensive troop welfare, particularly through initiatives that support a smooth and productive transition into civilian life.
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