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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (Rtd), has commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for the successful launch of the Online Discount Shop for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Buratai described the initiative as a transformative intervention capable of addressing some of the economic challenges confronting serving military personnel, veterans and their families.
In a statement, the former Army Chief said the platform demonstrated a practical commitment to the welfare of those who had dedicated their lives to serving the nation.
He said: “By providing access to essential goods at discounted prices, the platform demonstrates a practical commitment to the well-being of those who have dedicated their lives to the service of the nation.”
According to him, the initiative was particularly significant because it offered beneficiaries an avenue to obtain essential commodities at reduced prices, while reinforcing the Armed Forces’ commitment to personnel welfare.
Buratai also commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, as well as the Service Chiefs, for their contributions to the initiative.
He reserved special commendation for the strategic partnership between Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group, formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The retired general said the collaboration demonstrated the value of combining government leadership with private-sector expertise and digital technology to improve the welfare of military personnel.
He described the partnership as “a forward-thinking approach by the current leadership in leveraging digital technology and private-sector expertise to enhance personnel welfare.”
Buratai noted that plans to develop a comprehensive database, increase vendor participation and establish physical outlets to complement the online platform showed that the initiative was designed as a long-term welfare programme rather than a one-off project.
He said: “The commitment to developing a comprehensive database, expanding vendor participation, and establishing physical outlets to complement the online platform reflects a long-term vision that goes beyond a mere launch.”
The former Army Chief urged serving personnel, veterans and their families to take full advantage of the platform, stressing that its benefits could extend beyond access to discounted goods.
According to him, innovative welfare initiatives of this nature can contribute to strengthening the Armed Forces from within and improving personnel morale.
He encouraged all eligible beneficiaries to embrace the platform and make effective use of the opportunities it provides.
Buratai further commended General Oluyede and the entire Defence Headquarters team for what he described as a laudable initiative.
He said the successful implementation and expansion of the programme would further demonstrate the military leadership’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their families.
The Online Discount Shop is part of efforts to provide Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families with greater access to essential goods through a digitally enabled platform and strategic partnerships with private-sector providers.
