The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to improving the welfare and preserving the dignity of veterans.
Oluyede gave the assurance during an interactive engagement with veterans from the North East Zone in Yola, Adamawa State.
The engagement was the second in a series of scheduled zonal consultations with veterans across the country.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Government To Resolve Military Veterans’ Pension, Welfare Concerns
Addressing concerns over salary increments, the CDS assured the veterans that the exercise was all-inclusive, explaining that its implementation was ongoing.
He further noted that, in line with extant policies, adjustments to the emoluments of serving personnel have a consequential impact on the pensions of retired personnel.
Oluyede also highlighted several initiatives by the DHQ aimed at improving the welfare of veterans and their families.
According to him, the DHQ is collaborating with the Bank of Industry to facilitate access to low-interest loans for business enterprises for serving and retired personnel, as well as their families.
He also disclosed that construction of the Defence Hospital was ongoing, that a percentage of its patronage would be reserved for veterans.
The CDS said ‘the initiatives had received the blessing of President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, who, he said, had deliberately provided resources to support programmes aimed at appreciating the sacrifices of serving and retired military personnel.
In his closing remarks, Oluyede paid tribute to the veterans for their sacrifices in defending the nation.
He stressed that although the veterans had taken off their uniforms, the nation’s gratitude for their service would never fade.
The CDS assured the veterans that the DHQ, under the Ministry of Defence, would continue to work towards improving their welfare.
He added that Nigeria would forever cherish the service, courage and sacrifices of those who had served to keep the nation safe.
The veterans also presented other welfare concerns during the engagement, which the CDS addressed while assuring them that the issues would continue to receive appropriate attention.
The meeting was attended by veteran leaders, led by the President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association (RANAO), Maj.-Gen. H.A. Salihu (rtd.), Maj.-Gen. L.P. Ngubane (rtd.) and Air Vice Marshal N.E. Nzokala (rtd.), provided a platform for frank dialogue and renewed confidence between the veterans and the military leadership.
Speaking on behalf of the veterans, the RANAO President expressed appreciation to the CDS and urged veterans to support the efforts of the Armed Forces leadership under General Oluyede to improve the welfare of serving personnel and veterans.
