The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has launched a three-day skills acquisition training programme for veterans of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in the North Eastern part of the Country.
The training is aimed at empowering ex-service personnel with practical skills for sustainable livelihood and reintegration.
Also, the training will enhance the wellbeing of Veterans as well as empowering them against the effects of the increasingly difficult economic climate.
The theme of this year’s training is “Empowering Veterans Through Skills Acquisition for Capacity Building and Sustainability”.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, AFM said “the initiative would afford Veterans with relevant knowledge and skills to have a meaningful post-service life.”
The CDS noted that the training would cover a diverse range of vocational skills, livestock management, financial literacy and business opportunity identification that would resolve the long-standing concern and improve the wellbeing and quality of life of the Veterans.
The CSas was represented by the Director, Veteran Affairs Division of the Defence Headquarters, Major General Oluwafemi Williams.
The Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri represented by the Chief of Staff, Dr Amos Edgar lauded the CDS for the initiative.
Economic Well-being
Governor Fintiri emphasised that “the training would significantly improve the economic wellbeing of Veterans in the North -East Geo Political Zone.”
He urged the participants to take full advantage of this opportunity and maximise the knowledge offered by the expert facilitators.
Also, the Director, VAD Major General Williams represented by the Deputy Director, VAD (Army), Brigadier General Caius Baushe said; “the CDS has prioritised the welfare of both serving and retired personnel and their families.”
He stated that the initiative was designed to empower veterans through relevant education to cater for the inadequate preparation after service, saying the training would promote capacity building of the Veterans.
Highlights of the event include a series of lectures delivered by the seasoned facilitators, presentation of certificates to the participants, presentation of souvenirs to the invited dignitaries and facilitators while the taking of the group photographs climaxed the occasion.
The event was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Dr Amos Edgar, Acting Commander Sector 4 Operation Hadin Kai/Commander 23 Brigade, Brigadier General Amechi Agwu who represented the General Officer Commanding, 3 Division Nigerian Army and the Commander 153 Base Services Group, Group Captain MM Muazu among others.
Confidence Okwuchi