The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered a comprehensive overhaul of existing welfare schemes in the Nigerian Army and the introduction of new initiatives aimed at better preparing personnel for life after military service.
According to Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 81 Division Nigerian Army Lieut. Col. Musa Yahaya, this directive was delivered on August 4, 2025, during the Third Quarter Veteran Affairs Pre-Retirement Training/Business Development Seminar held at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Accounts (NASFA), Arakan Cantonment, Apapa, Lagos.
Represented by Major General Thanks Numbere, Commander Corps of Engineers, the COAS reaffirmed his Soldier First philosophy, which places the welfare and future of soldiers at the heart of army operations. He stressed the importance of equipping personnel with the skills and resilience needed to navigate civilian life successfully.
The seminar, themed “Building Resilience of Personnel/Veterans for Thriving in Post-Retirement Life,” supports the COAS Command Philosophy focused on transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-motivated and operationally ready force capable of fulfilling its constitutional roles in a joint and multi-agency environment.
Major General LA Fejokwu, Chief of Administration (Army), represented by Major General Tamunobere Opuene, Deputy Chief of Administration (Veterans Affairs Directorate), highlighted the seminar’s significance in ensuring a smooth transition for personnel into civilian life.
In his welcome address, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. He encouraged participants to maximize the opportunity to acquire practical knowledge that would enhance their roles in society post-retirement.
The seminar’s opening day featured expert presentations, souvenir presentations, and group photo sessions. The week-long programme underscores the Nigerian Army’s sustained commitment to the welfare of its personnel beyond active service.
