Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede has disclosed plans by the Defence Headquarters to dedicate one hospital in each geopolitical zone specifically to cater for the medical needs of veterans.
General Oluyede made the revelation during his interactive session with veterans from the Southwest region at Headquarters, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan yesterday as part of his ongoing nationwide engagement with veterans.
In a statement by the Director Defence Information Major General Samaila Uba, the CDS assured veterans of the Armed Forces of Nigeria of sustained welfare initiatives aimed at making their lives more comfortable after service, while calling for their greater participation in the national security architecture.
The CDS appreciated the veterans for their years of sacrifice in keeping the nation united and peaceful.
“Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by the nation,” General Oluyede affirmed.
He noted that the federal government remained committed to improving the welfare of veterans in appreciation of their sacrifices.
He cited the recent increment in salaries of serving personnel and the consequential adjustment of veterans’ pensions as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s gratitude to the Armed Forces for their service to the nation.
He added that issues arising from the consequential adjustment of pensions are being addressed.
Oluyede further outlined several initiatives being pursued by the Defence Headquarters to improve the welfare of both serving personnel and veterans.
” Among these is his determination to dedicate at least one hospital in each geopolitical zone specifically to cater for the medical needs of veterans, in addition to existing healthcare arrangements. He informed the veterans that data collation is ongoing and necessary processes are at advanced stages towards actualisation.
The CDS also disclosed ongoing efforts to establish a low-interest loan scheme for veterans to enable them engage in productive ventures and businesses after service,”.
He explained the recently launched Defence Headquarters Online Shop in collaboration with Konga, noting that efforts are ongoing to expand the scheme to bring more major businesses on board to offer discounted goods and services to personnel and veterans.
He called on veterans to continue to contribute their quota to peace and security in their respective communities and to sustain prayers for serving personnel as they strive to keep the nation peaceful and secure.
Veterans during the interactive session raised pressing concerns and sought clarifications on issues affecting them, which were promptly addressed by the CDS.
On hand to provide further clarifications were the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, the Commandant, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Air Vice Marshal NI Iloh, and the Chairman, Military Pensions Board, Major General JE Osifoh.
Issues bordering on veterans’ entitlements, welfare programmes and other administrative matters were extensively discussed.
In his remarks, the President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association (RANAO), Major General HA Salihu (rtd), thanked the CDS for the engagement and urged veterans to continue to embrace dialogue in resolving issues of concern.
Moving the vote of thanks on behalf of the veterans, Major General AG Adewuyi (rtd) appreciated the CDS, particularly commending his continued attention to veterans’ matters and his commitment to routine engagements to hear directly from them.
He also appreciated the General Officer Commanding 2 Division Major General Auwalu Mamuda for the hospitality extended to veterans by the Division.
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