CDS Assures Military Veterans of Improved Welfare, Pension Adjustments
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to improving the welfare and dignity of Nigeria’s military veterans.
Oluyede gave the assurance on Thursday in Yola, Adamawa State, during an interactive engagement with veterans from the North-East geopolitical zone.
The engagement was the second in a series of scheduled zonal consultations with veterans across the country.
Addressing concerns over salary and pension adjustments, the CDS said the ongoing process was inclusive, assuring veterans that measures were being implemented in line with existing government policies.
He explained that adjustments to the emoluments of serving military personnel have consequential effects on the pensions of retired personnel.
According to him, the Defence Headquarters is committed to ensuring that veterans’ welfare concerns receive appropriate attention.
Oluyede also outlined several initiatives being pursued by the DHQ to improve the welfare of serving and retired personnel and their families.
He said the Defence Headquarters was collaborating with the Bank of Industry to facilitate access to low-interest loans for business ventures by serving and retired military personnel and their families.
The CDS further disclosed that construction of a Defence Hospital was ongoing, adding that a percentage of its patronage would be reserved for veterans.
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He said the initiatives had received the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, had provided resources to advance programmes aimed at recognising the sacrifices of serving and retired military personnel.
The veterans also presented additional welfare concerns during the engagement, which the CDS addressed while assuring them that the issues would continue to receive appropriate attention.
The meeting was attended by veteran leaders, including the President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association (RANAO), Major General H.A. Salihu (retd.); Major General L.P. Ngubane (retd.); and Air Vice Marshal N.E. Nzokala (retd.).
The engagement provided a platform for direct interaction between the military leadership and veterans and, according to the Defence Headquarters, strengthened confidence in ongoing efforts to address veterans’ welfare concerns.
Speaking on behalf of the veterans, the RANAO president expressed appreciation to the CDS for engaging directly with retired personnel.
He also urged veterans to support initiatives by the military leadership aimed at improving the welfare of serving personnel and retirees.
In his closing remarks, Oluyede paid tribute to veterans for their contributions and sacrifices in defending Nigeria, stressing that retirement from military service does not diminish the nation’s appreciation of their service.
He said the Defence Headquarters, working under the Ministry of Defence, would continue to pursue measures to improve the welfare of veterans.
“The uniform may have been taken off, but the nation’s gratitude will never fade,” the CDS said, while reaffirming that Nigeria would continue to value the service, courage and sacrifices of those who served to keep the country safe.
By PRNigeria
