DHQ, Zinox Launch Online Discount Shop for Military Personnel, Veterans
The Defence Headquarters has launched an online discount shop designed to enable serving and retired members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as well as their families, access essential goods at preferential prices.
The initiative was formally unveiled on Thursday in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, who served as Special Guest of Honour at the event.
Akume described the scheme as a practical intervention to improve the welfare of military personnel and their families, stressing that the wellbeing of service members and their dependants was critical to maintaining a motivated and resilient Armed Forces.
He commended the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group for the partnership, saying the initiative demonstrated how digital technology could be deployed to address contemporary welfare needs.
The SGF, however, emphasised the need for transparency, reliability and continuous improvement in the operation of the platform, noting that its credibility would ultimately depend on the quality of service and tangible benefits delivered to beneficiaries.
He particularly welcomed the inclusion of veterans and their families, saying their contributions and sacrifices to national service deserved continued recognition and support.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the Armed Forces’ commitment to personnel welfare.
Oluyede said the scheme went beyond the provision of discounted goods, describing it as a people-centred approach aimed at improving the livelihoods of serving personnel, veterans and their families through digital innovation and strategic partnerships.
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He disclosed that the Defence Headquarters would establish a comprehensive database, leveraging existing Service platforms and pension records, to facilitate effective implementation and ensure that eligible beneficiaries have access to the scheme.
According to him, plans are also underway to expand the platform to accommodate more vendors, including suppliers of building materials and other essential commodities.
He added that the initiative could eventually be extended to include physical outlets.
The Chairman of Zinox Group, Chief Dr Leo Stan Ekeh, represented by the company’s General Manager, Corporate Governance, Mr Reginald Obiako, said the partnership was part of the company’s contribution towards recognising the sacrifices and dedication of members of the Armed Forces.
He said the platform would provide beneficiaries with convenient access to quality products at preferential prices.
Earlier, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Idris Alhaji, said the Defence Discount Scheme was one of several welfare initiatives being introduced under the CDS’s “Soldier First” leadership principle.
Alhaji said the initiative reflected the commitment of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to improving the welfare of serving personnel, veterans and their families.
A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group, formalising the partnership for the implementation of the online discount scheme.
The agreement was signed by the CDS on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Chairman of Zinox Group on behalf of the private-sector partner.
The Defence Headquarters said the initiative formed part of broader efforts to strengthen personnel and veteran welfare through digital innovation, strategic partnerships and practical interventions aimed at improving access to essential goods and services.
By PRNigeria
