Minister of state for defence, Bello Matawalle, has said the federal government would continue to tap from the expertise and wealth of experience of the retired military officers in confronting the security challenges of the nation.
Matawalle stated this at a dinner in honour of the chief of defence staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, by members of Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 38 Regular Course Welfare Association in Abuja.
He said the experience garnered over the years as military officers would remain relevant even as they embarked on another phase of life.
Mattawale added that the nation needed them as professionals and experts to bring to bear their expertise and experience in proffering solutions to the myriads of challenges bedeviling the country.
He said, “I encourage you to, from time to time, critically brainstorm on the challenges confronting the country with a view to providing workable solutions.
“I want to assure you that the Ministry of Defence is ever ready to receive you as a group of expert thinkers to dialogue on issues of defence and security concerns in our country.
“In view of the immense training and experience of these eminent gentlemen and highly exposed security professionals, we will ensure that your time in retirement is pleasant and we will continue to take your welfare as priority at the Ministry of Defence,” he said.
Gen. Musa thanked the association for celebrating and honouring him and lauded their unwavering support and commitment to seeing him succeed as defence chief.
Musa said the event also signified the acknowledgement of the collective achievements and sacrifice of the nation’s armed forces through the unwavering dedication of the brave men and women in uniform that had been able to safeguard Nigeria’s peace and unity.
The president, RC38 Welfare Association, Maj-Gen. Solomon Uduonwa, said the event was organised to celebrate their journey in the military, which began on September 21, 1986.
According to him, that journey has seen erstwhile cadets transform into accomplished generals, captains of industry, top politicians and prominent traditional rulers.
He described the CDS as an accomplished general who had held all available command, instruction and staff appointments and had continued to make the nation proud as a military chief.
