By Saminu Ibrahim
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to the welfare, dignity and continued relevance of retired military personnel.
Oluyede gave the assurance on Wednesday when the National President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association, Major General Hussaini Abayomi Salihu (rtd.), led members of the association on a courtesy visit to the CDS at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
The visit was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the DHQ and retired military officers, following the inauguration of the association’s new executive council.
Salihu said the delegation was at the DHQ to familiarise itself with the CDS and foster closer engagement with the military authorities.
He commended Oluyede for his sustained engagement with veterans across the six geopolitical zones and expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for measures aimed at improving the welfare of serving personnel and retirees.
The retired general particularly lauded the recent increase in salaries of serving military personnel and the consequential adjustments for retired personnel.
He also presented requests aimed at improving the welfare and socio-economic relevance of retired officers, including the establishment of a comprehensive database of association members.
According to him, the database would enable companies and organisations to easily access the expertise and services of qualified retired military officers.
Responding, Oluyede thanked members of the association for their sacrifices and contributions to national security and development.
The CDS assured the veterans that he would discharge his responsibilities as Chief Patron of the association and work with them to address issues affecting their welfare within existing policies and institutional frameworks.
On concerns over salary increases and their implications for retirees, Oluyede said the ongoing exercise was comprehensive and inclusive.
He explained that implementation was already underway, adding that adjustments to the emoluments of serving personnel would have consequential implications for the pensions and benefits of veterans in line with government policy.
Oluyede also disclosed that the DHQ was collaborating with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to provide low-interest loans to serving and retired military personnel and their families.
He said the initiative was designed to support beneficiaries in establishing and expanding sustainable businesses as part of broader efforts to promote economic empowerment, self-reliance and improved welfare.
The CDS assured the association that the DHQ would continue to explore practical measures and partnerships to improve the welfare of veterans.
He said those who served the nation deserved sustained institutional support and dignity in retirement.
The engagement, according to the DHQ, underscored its commitment to maintaining a strong bond with military veterans and keeping their welfare among the institution’s priorities.
