Oluyede Moves to Strengthen Military Veterans’ Welfare and Economic Opportunities

By Habeeba Sanda Lemu 

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has renewed the Defence Headquarters’ commitment to improving the welfare, dignity and economic relevance of retired military personnel.

Oluyede gave the assurance in Abuja during a meeting with the newly inaugurated executive council of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association, led by its National President, Major General Hussaini Abayomi Salihu (rtd.).

The engagement was aimed at deepening cooperation between the military authorities and retired officers, while creating a stronger platform for addressing issues affecting veterans after their years of active service.

Our correspondent gathered that Salihu commended the CDS for maintaining direct engagement with veterans across the country and welcomed measures aimed at improving the welfare of both serving personnel and retirees.

He also highlighted the recent salary review for serving military personnel and its implications for retired officers, while presenting proposals designed to improve the socio-economic participation of veterans.

One of the proposals was the creation of a comprehensive database of retired military officers. According to the association, such a database could help organisations and businesses identify retired personnel with relevant professional experience and engage their expertise.

Responding, Oluyede expressed appreciation to the veterans for their contributions to Nigeria’s security and national development.

The CDS said he would continue to work with the association in his capacity as its Chief Patron, particularly in addressing welfare concerns within existing government policies and institutional frameworks.

On the issue of salary adjustments and pensions, THE NATIONAL LENS reports that Oluyede explained that the ongoing review was designed to cover relevant categories of personnel. He noted that changes to the earnings of serving personnel have corresponding implications for the pensions and benefits of retired military personnel under existing government policy.

Beyond pensions, the military leadership is also looking at ways of helping veterans become more economically self-reliant.

Oluyede disclosed that the Defence Headquarters was working with the Bank of Industry to facilitate access to low-interest financing for serving and retired military personnel and their families.

The initiative is expected to support beneficiaries interested in establishing or expanding businesses, providing an avenue for veterans to remain economically active after leaving military service.

The CDS also assured the association that the Defence Headquarters would continue to explore partnerships and practical programmes capable of improving the quality of life of retired personnel.

The latest engagement forms part of a broader effort by the military leadership to maintain regular communication with veterans. Earlier consultations with veterans in the North-East also focused on pensions, welfare and other concerns affecting retired personnel.

For Oluyede, the relationship between the Armed Forces and those who have retired from active duty should not end with the uniform.

The emphasis, therefore, is increasingly shifting towards ensuring that veterans receive not only appropriate retirement benefits but also opportunities to remain productive and respected contributors to national development.