The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, convened a one-day strategic retreat with the leadership of various Military Veterans’ Associations at the Army Headquarters Command Mess 1, Asokoro, Abuja.
As stated in a release by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, on Tuesday, the retreat was aimed at improving the welfare of the veterans, promote unity and enhance national service.
The retreat was hosted in collaboration with the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association of Nigeria (RANAO).
Essence of the retreat
The retreat provided a platform for dialogue, collaboration and renewed commitment to the welfare of retired personnel who dedicated their lives to the defence of Nigeria.
In his remarks, the CDS, represented by the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to sustaining open dialogue with military veterans.
He stressed that engagement remained the most effective approach to resolving concerns affecting retired personnel.
Major General Abdussalam noted that, under the leadership of the CDS, veterans’ welfare remains one of the top priorities of Defence Headquarters.
This was as he assured participants that efforts were ongoing to ensure the implementation of the recently approved salary increase and corresponding pension adjustments through the appropriate statutory processes.
The CDS further commended President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to the welfare of members of the Armed Forces.
He urged veterans to remain patient and continue to uphold the values of discipline, loyalty and patriotism for which the Nigerian Military is renowned.
He also assured them that the Defence Headquarters would continue to pursue improved healthcare, timely pension payments and better welfare packages for retired personnel.
“The retreat underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation among veterans’ organisations, while encouraging retired personnel to remain active partners in nation-building by mentoring younger generations and supporting initiatives that promote national unity and security,” it was stated in the release.
