The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, reiterated his commitment to enhancing the welfare of military veterans during a recent session with retired personnel from the South-South geopolitical zone. The event took place at Cathelea Convention and Suites in Benin City, Edo State.
During the interaction, General Oluyede described the meeting as part of an initiative aimed at engaging veterans on various issues concerning their welfare and post-service needs. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Armed Forces and veterans to improve administration and welfare initiatives.
The CDS highlighted that the welfare of veterans and their families remains a top priority. He encouraged them to act as ambassadors of the Armed Forces within their communities. General Oluyede also provided updates on efforts to acquire modern military equipment, noting that some assets have already arrived to enhance military operations.
In terms of welfare enhancements, General Oluyede announced plans for veterans to access low-interest loans through the Bank of Industry, facilitating their business ventures after retirement. Additionally, improvements in medical care were discussed, including the expansion of the military hospital in Abuja, which will reserve a portion of its services for veterans.
He also mentioned ongoing plans to establish dedicated medical facilities for veterans across each of the country’s six geopolitical zones. During the session, veterans voiced concerns regarding gratuity computations, pension issues, and medical care access, all of which were addressed by the CDS.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association (RANAO), Colonel Tony Ogbomo (Rtd), expressed appreciation for the CDS’s commitment to veteran welfare, specifically praising the establishment of dedicated hospitals and the low-interest loan program.
This engagement marks part of General Oluyede’s broader initiative to strengthen the welfare of veterans and leverage their experience to bolster national defense and security. He has previously held similar sessions with veterans from the South-West and North-Central regions, with plans to extend these engagements nationwide.
