Veterans’ Welfare: CDS Plans Six Zonal Hospitals, Low-Interest Business Loans
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has unveiled plans to establish dedicated military hospitals for veterans across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and introduce low-interest loans to support their post-service businesses.
Oluyede disclosed this on Friday during an interactive meeting with military veterans from the South-South geopolitical zone in Benin City, Edo State.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the engagement was part of the CDS’s initiative to address the welfare, administrative and post-service concerns of retired military personnel.
The CDS said the proposed loan scheme, to be facilitated through the Bank of Industry (BOI), would enable veterans to establish and expand businesses after leaving active service.
On healthcare, he highlighted ongoing improvements, including the expansion of the military hospital in Abuja, with a percentage of its facilities reserved for veterans, as well as plans to establish dedicated medical facilities in each geopolitical zone.
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Oluyede also reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to improving the welfare of veterans and their families, describing their sacrifices and contributions to national security as deserving of continued recognition and support.
He said the engagement provided an opportunity for the military leadership to benefit from the experience and professional expertise of retired personnel in shaping policies on veterans’ administration and welfare.
During the interactive session, the veterans raised concerns bordering on gratuity computation, pension administration and access to medical services, which the CDS addressed.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association (RANAO), Colonel Tony Ogbomo (rtd.), commended the CDS for the proposed healthcare and financial empowerment initiatives.
He described the planned zonal hospitals and low-interest loan scheme as important measures towards improving the welfare and economic security of retired military personnel and their families.
The CDS also briefed the veterans on ongoing efforts to acquire modern military platforms and operational equipment, noting that some of the newly acquired assets had started arriving in the country and were expected to strengthen ongoing military operations.
The Defence Headquarters said the South-South meeting followed similar engagements with veterans in the South-West and North-Central zones, adding that the initiative would be extended to other parts of the country.
By PRNigeria
