The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to improving the welfare of military veterans through sustainable skills acquisition and empowerment programmes aimed at promoting economic independence and better living conditions.
In a statement, Director, Defence Information Defence Headquarters Major General Samaila Uba said Oluyede gave the assurance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Skill Acquisition Training for Veterans in the South-West geopolitical zone, organised by the DHQ Veteran Affairs Division at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The initiative is designed to equip veterans with practical and marketable skills that will enable them to establish businesses, generate income and sustain their livelihoods after active military service.
The training, themed “Enhancing Veterans’ Capacity Building through Sustained Skill Acquisition Training for Enhanced National Development,” covers poultry farming, fishery, snail farming, animal husbandry, livestock management and modern agricultural techniques.
According to the CDS, the programme reflects the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring that veterans remain economically productive and continue to contribute meaningfully to national development after retirement from military service.
Oluyede also highlighted the partnership between the Defence Headquarters and Konga/Zinox, which provides serving military personnel and veterans with access to subsidised purchasing options to help cushion the effects of prevailing economic challenges.
He assured veterans that the DHQ would continue to introduce welfare-oriented initiatives aimed at improving their quality of life and supporting their transition to sustainable post-service livelihoods.
The CDS urged participants to take full advantage of the training by applying the knowledge and practical skills acquired to establish viable enterprises that would benefit their families, create economic opportunities and contribute to national development.
He further reiterated that the welfare of veterans remained a priority for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, stressing the importance of recognising and supporting those who had served the country.
Oluyede assured the veterans of the military’s continued commitment to their well-being in recognition of their sacrifices, dedication and service to the nation.
The CDS was represented at the ceremony by the Director of the Veterans Affairs Directorate, Defence Headquarters, Major General O.D. Williams.
The programme underscores the growing emphasis on skills development and economic empowerment as strategic approaches to improving veterans’ welfare, strengthening self-reliance and ensuring that retired military personnel remain active contributors to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
