Retired Military Officers Seek Improved Welfare, To Honour Irabor, Ihejirika

Retired Army, Navy and Airforce Officers (RANAO) have called for improved welfare for members and pledged to contribute to tackling insecurity across the country.

The president Retired Army, Navy and Airforce Officers’ (RANAO) Club of Nigeria, Major General Abdul Adewuyi briefing journalists in Abuja said the association will at its upcoming 36th annual general meeting honour the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor and former Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd) for their contribution to the military and society at large.

He said the association was formed to collectively address issues affecting veterans in the 70s and 80s post-retirement following records of veterans going into oblivion immediately after retirement.

He said some military veterans have died without help due to lack of ideas or poor welfare.

“The decision to form this Association was informed by the situation the pensioners found themselves in the 70s and late 80s. Once an officer retired from service, he went into oblivion. Nothing was ever heard of him again. Those who had health challenges died without any idea on how to seek help. It was like ‘to your tents O Israel’. The association was established as a non-political, non-religious and non-profit making organization.

“The objective of forming RANAO Association where officers come together, once every month to discuss issues affecting their welfare has been substantially achieved. It has continued to foster the spirit of togetherness, esprit de corps, brotherhood and camaraderie,” he said.